When you reach Switzer’s Trail Camp, you’ll find some wood burning stoves and a trail junction. To the left is a spur trail that deposits you above Upper Switzer Falls. A side trip is worthwhile, but be careful when checking out the cascade from the precipice.
Otherwise, head right and take switchbacks out of the canyon for some truly incredible vistas of the surrounding San Gabriels — you can actually spot the upper falls here, too. At the 1.3-mile mark, leave the Gabrielino Trail and take the Bear Canyon Trail (left) back down into the canyon and at the canyon floor, take a left onto the Lower Switzer Falls Trail, which leads you a quarter mile to your water waypoint. With plenty of rocks flanking the pool, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic while ogling at the flowing falls.