Description :
Another gem within the Santa Monica mountains, the expansive 8,000 acre Malibu Creek State Park is chock full of outdoor activities. In the early 1900's it was owned by a group of investors and was called the "Crags Country Club" a private sportsmans retreat for fishing and hunting. In 1946, 20th Century Fox purchased the land and named it "Century Ranch" where it was used as an outdoor film location for many years. In 1974 the State of California purchased the land from Bob Hope and Ronald Reagan and it was renamed Malibu Creek State Park. While it was Century Ranch there were a number of movies and television shows filmed here, Planet of the Apes and Roots to name a few, but the one that the park is most notable for was M*A*S*H. Yes, this was the primary film location for the good old 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital and is the first stop on the trail. This hike starts in the lower parking lot and leads you immediately west and on the trail to the MASH site. Once there you'll find an old rusted out jeep and medical transport vehicle that was left by the production crew along with several photographs that show the cast and crew with specific rock structures that you can see in the background. There's a couple picnic tables here and this is a great spot to take a break and soak in all the great scenerey. From there you're going to head back west to the man made Century Lake. Make sure you bring your fishing license with you as this little lake is stocked with blue gill, catfish and bass. From here you'll continue back up to the main trail and continue to head west towards Rock Pool. Just before you get to Rock Pool you'll come upon a large rock formation on the right side of the river that is frequently used by beginning rock climbers. Just a short walk from there you'll find Rock Pool. This is a great spot to take dip and cool off. Follow the attached GPS Trail. Parking is $7
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