Dana Point “Waterfall” Opens Large Sinkhole

“When it rains, it pours.” And when it pours, tourists flock to one of Dana Point's most amazing temporary attractions - the Dana Point falls. It's a spectacular scene reminiscent of Hawaii. Torrents of white water cascade over a palm tree lined rocky bluff, crashing down into a turbulent, muddy pond. The sound is powerful. The view is spellbinding.

Traffic on Dana Point Harbor road backs up for a mile with residents and visitors alike, eager to view the wonder for themselves. Those lucky enough to find a parking place, get out of their cars and run to the falls. Under the protection of their umbrellas, they stare up in amazement at this ephemeral force of nature.

But like the fleeting beauty of a desert flower, all to soon the waterfall disappears as the rains abate. A few minutes later, the area once filled with onlookers, clears. The bluff soon returns to its familiar, natural state.

That is, until last Sunday night. The heavy storms and rushing runoff that forms the falls left behind a large sinkhole which flooded over the weekend. Dana Point Harbor Drive had to be closed off to the public due to the hazard. Disappointed would be spectators making their way down Cove Road, Dana Point’s answer to Lombard Street in San Francisco, were turned back, as were those coming the other direction on Dana Point Harbor Road. Orange cones warned drivers to avoid the area.

The falls have dried up but the sinkhole remains. Because it opened up the ground in front of the waterfall, not the road itself, Dana Point Harbor Drive opened within hours of its partial closing. Traffic is once again flowing, although the falls are not. More rain is predicted for Saturday and next week, possibly bringing back the Dana Point falls.