Sycamore Falls The rain has arrived and with it comes an end to the drought-ridden landscape.

The Santa Monica Mountains, the world’s largest urban national park, took in every drop that Mother Nature uncorked last week and is already showing signs of active plant growth.

Plant life isn’t the only thing that benefits from the rain.

Sycamore Falls, a waterfall in the Point Mugu State Park near Newbury Park that typically runs dry when it’s not raining, has come back to life. Reaching a height of almost 100 feet, Sycamore Falls is a slow-trickling waterfall that showers into several small pools below. A large boulder sits in the middle of the stream and is perfect for lunching and taking in the sights.

Tall sycamore and oak trees shade the area, with thick bushels of globe sedge lining the banks of the creek. Watch for patches of poison oak. It grows in abundance throughout this lush riparian area and especially along the water’s edge.

If you’re among the daring few, a climb to the top of Sycamore Falls will bring you to a series of distribution pools. But be careful on the way up and down; the rocks can be slippery at times.

The hike to Sycamore Falls is five miles round trip and will take approximately two hours. The elevation gain is 700 feet. There are some steep hills to climb, but the trail is well maintained. Make sure to bring along water and don’t forget your camera.

To access the trail head, take the 101 freeway toward Newbury Park. At the Wendy Drive exit proceed south to Potrero Road. Go right on Potrero to the Santa Monica Mountains National Park entrance, where you will find a parking area and the beginning of the Boney Mountain Trail.

Enjoy distant views of Old Boney Mountain as you leave the Satwiwa cultural center and proceed to hike down into the steep Sycamore Canyon. There are many side trail options, but as long as you head toward the canyon floor where the creek is found you’ll be able to eventually access the waterfall.

Guy MacLaury of Thousand Oaks is an avid hiker and a recent graduate of Cal State Channel Islands.