Rediscovered Waterfall Triggers a Half-Century Memory Lane in Santa Barbara’s San Rafael Wilderness

Dan McCaslin takes a spring ramble along Manzana Creek in the San Rafael Wilderness, revisiting Davy Brown Camp and hiking to Lost Valley Camp via Nira Trailhead, where he uncovers a mini-waterfall he hadn’t noticed in about 50 years. The hike blends dirt camping memories, fire regulations, and seasonal water conditions with practical driving directions and reflections on the area’s history and natural beauty.