North on CA-33
5/19/2026
Driving north on CA-33
From Ventura, CA to Maricopa, CA
Lake Casitas
1st stop of the day was at this lovely lake
► The very big lake was teeming with life. Fish, chipmunks (or very small squirrels),
all kinds of birds, and of course, some humans
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Matilija Lake and Dam
Drove on a back road I've driven past a dozen times
► This dam was completed in 1948, but was almost complete silted up by 2021.
► Today's pics don't show much water in the "lake", and there are several plans to remove the dam
to restore access for steelhead trout.
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360° photo from my drone
Video from the drone
Waterfall along CA-33
This was a surprise!
► This wasn't even in our plans for today.
► We drove by this waterfall and did a u-turn to go back to it.
► Somewhere on CA-33 north of Ojai and south of Cuyama.
► Near Wheeler Springs, CA.
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Video of the waterfall
Valley View Spot
Looking back toward Ojai
► This spot is near the entrance to Rose Valley but actually looks to the south toward Ojai, which is 7 miles away.
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Reyes Peak Campground
High up into a pine forest in the mountains
► Drove up what basically was a one lane road for 7 miles from 5,000ft elevation to 7,000 elevation.
► Had to get creative to let 2 other vehicles get around us while they were coming off the mountain.
► There were NO guardrails, and the drop-offs along the road in places were 1,000s of feet.
► In some places you could see for miles to the north, and miles to the south, at the same time,
but there was no where to park to get out and take some pics.
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Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway Overlook
Looking north toward Cuyama, CA
► This is on CA-33 south of Cuyama, CA, looking down at Camp Scheideck.
► This is a vista to the north where you can see for miles.
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