The Quick and Dirty:
Location: Momyer Creek Trail to Dobbs Cabin campground, see rough trail map from Caltopo.
Distance: About 3.8 miles to Alger Creek campground and 5.9 miles to Dobbs Cabin (Dobbs) campground
Difficulty:  Moderate, it’s a short hike for a backpacking trip but there’s about 1,500 ft of elevation gain to Dobbs campground.
Duration: Overnight backpacking trip
Dogs Allowed? Yes, Dakota joined us on this trip as dogs are allowed in San Bernardino National Forest
Best time to visit: Whenever there is water! Water in the creeks seem to be plentiful on this trail, we’ve been during spring and fall and have always had luck. You may want to avoid hiking during the hottest months of the summer as the switchback section are exposed to full sun.
Trail Parking: Located close to the town of Forest Falls, there is a designated parking lot next to the trail head and parking has been manageable the last two times we went hiked this trail. On weekends, if you arrive later in the day, the lot does eventually fill up with day hikers. National Forest pass is required to park at the trail head.

Nice trail sign at the trail head

Momyer Creek trail is located in San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. We have hiked this trail a couple different times and also camped at different spots. This trail report is an accumulation of our trips on this trail.

This is one of our short weekend backpacking trips we take once a year. This trail typically has a reliable source of water, which makes carrying a lighter load much more feasible for us. The hiking distance is not very long, you can actually do the round trip hike in one day but we like to stay overnight at one of the campsites along the way to stretch the weekend a little longer. If you do decide to make this a day trip, make sure you leave some time to check out one of the creeks (Alger or Falls Creek) on the way up. Depending on the season, there could be some nice swimming holes along the way to take a dip!

The trail starts out from the parking lot by crossing a big river bed. We’ve only seen small flows of water trickling in the river from the times we’ve visited. Take a look in the water when you walk across the riverbed, the natural rock and sand filtration makes the water crystal clear.

Don’t underestimate this trail because of the shorter distance. There is about a 1,500 feet climb with endless switchbacks from the trail head to Dobbs campground!

Edwin taking a break at one of the switchbacks

At about 3.8 miles into the trail, you will see a sign for Alger Creek campground. Even though there are lots of large campsites next to the trail, we typically like to find a campsite furthest away from the trail right next to Alger Creek. It’s more secluded and right next to the water.

A nice swimming hole with ice cold water in Alger Creek. This photo was taken in May 2015, even though it was an exceptionally dry year, there was still a good amount of water in the creek.

The climb continues after Alger Creek to Dobbs campground. At the apex of the climb, you will see a junction to San Gorgonio and Saxton camp but nothing for Dobbs campsite. Continue right at the junction and you will see Dobbs campsite within a few minutes of walking.

Sam and Dakota at the junction of San Gorgonio

Dobbs campsite is definitely more primitive and less used than Alger Creek campsite. The cabin that was presumably here is no long standing.

Edwin setting up his tent

The campsite is filled with tall alpine trees, shaded with lots of lush vegetation. This gave us a feeling we were somewhere in the Pacific Northwest instead of Southern California.

Near Dobbs campsite

Falls Creek near Dobbs campsite

The water at the creeks on this trail has always been ice cold. With the shade provided by the alpine trees, it’s never been warm enough for us to take a dip.