Connor and I went for a quick overnight down at Forbush Flats in early December.
Getting to the campsite was easy enough and after dropping our gear off we continued down Cold Springs Trail to see what the recent rains had meant for Emerald Pools and the Santa Ynez River.
Emerald Pools seemed to have about the same amount of water as they always do, which is pretty impressive considering the extreme lack of rain we’ve had over the last couple years.
The Santa Ynez River though was another story and was dry as can be. I have no idea what that area might have looked like pre-dams during a bad drought, but it definitely would have been beautiful when filled with water. And likely a great place to fish for the once rich stocks of Steelhead
Rather that doing an out-and-back repeat of this, I’d like to try the loop described by Ray Ford for a day hike:
One of the best long day hikes can be made either by continuing down the Cold Springs Trail then following the river upstream to Blue Canyon and Cottam Camp, then back up to Forbush or in the other direction. My own preference is to head down to Cottam first then work my way down the river to Cold Springs Trail and head back up from there.
Forbush Flats
2,375′
2 sites with picnic tables and fire rings
Once back at Forbush Flats, there was no water to be found in the adjacent Gidney Creek beyond some small rain puddles.
The camp itself has picnic benches at both sites and a toilet near one if you’re feeling desperate. We were set ourselves up at the site nearest the meadow which was brightly lit up by the night’s full moon.
