Top 6 Spots to Stop on the Ortega Highway - San Juan Capistrano to Lake Elsinore

This video looks at our picks for the top 6 best spots to stop on the Ortega Highway (California State Route 74). The Ortega Highway is a scenic route that links San Juan Capistrano in Orange County with Lake Elsinore in Riverside. There is plenty to see and do as the Ortega Highway travels through the Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Area and the Cleveland National Forest. You can even find a waterfall in Southern California with a short hike.
Our picks:
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
Ortega Oaks Candy Store
Ortega Falls
Hell's Kitchen
The Lookout Road House
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[@brucebarnes9638]

I rode the Ortega Hwy from Murrieta to Dana Point computing to work for over 10 years. I could have taken the freeways but why bother. That was the best work commute I ever had!

[@sixbladeknife44]

I used to live in that area in another life, there’s def. a unique aura about that place.

[@Corgis175]

I've been on the Ortega Hwy in part. Been to San Juan Caspistrano many times including the missions and love the shops there. Been to Caspers Wilderness Park with friends and we trailed our horses in using their corrals for a nce 3 day visit and rail riding.

[@bluelife1503]

Crazy to think how many bodies are still not found since the Cleveland national forest is and always been a dumping site… my godsister Erica was found there and they never found her killer… besides that love the Ortega the views and the cruise

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Sorry to hear about your godsister.

[@ThinkingBetter]

I had a colleague who sadly died on his motorcycle on an early Sunday morning race where he drove with some friends making KZbin videos with GoPro cameras. I warned him on the danger just a few weeks earlier when he showed me his too dangerous driving videos. This is not a place to race as you are facing unpredictable dangers around every corner from rockslides, tire debris and sudden slow moving traffic.

[@cynthiarenfroe8004]

Ortega hwy can be a very dangerous hwy as people often drive too fast through here ,,yes there are interesting places to see ,, but to trave the Ortega you really have to be careful as there have been bad accidents on it ,, so drive safely

[@pudster4115]

The lookout roadhouse has since closed but you can still pull in and enjoy the view

[@mikebavoso26]

Travel the Ortega Highway for years in the winter. Best you have sleeping bags some flashlights and food and water. Sometimes the emergency vehicles can't get to the accident due to the road only being two lanes and very narrow, with traffic backed up. There's a bridge that not too wide. Large vehicles, like motorhomes trucks with long travel trailers and the like, can only pass one at a time unless you have a lot of nerve and are a good driver.

[@joyservando4249]

You’re not allowed to pass anyone unless they go in turn out it’s yellow solid lane

[@chuniquepaceno470]

Thanks, appreciate the tour, which I could very well do now that I know it exists.

[@cardiffchris]

if you have a 4x4 or Dual Sport Motorcycle, check out Main Divide Truck Trail. 45 miles of scenic dirt road. Access from Ortega Hwy.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I've driven near there on S Main Divide. Awesome views. Will definitely have to check out the truck trail if we get the chance.

[@ManuelRodriguez-zo9fb]

Do you guys know the exit for dirt bike riding place at Ortega high..?

[@ManuelRodriguez-zo9fb]

Do you know the exit at Ortega high for dirt biking motorcycle ride off road?

[@danielceballos6559]

I work at the mission

[@legendarybreed6843]

Awesome job, thank you.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@mizzbarbie13]

Wow you were in my home town!!!! My town is full of history!!! You missed the historic rock house near the Candy store! You need to come to Lake Elsinore and do some videos and explore. Consider following my historic FB group called Reminiscing about Lake Elsinore & Surrounding Communities There’s soooo much history here and deserves to be KZbind

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'll take a look for sure. Would love to do more in the Lake Elsinore area.

[@andyreyna2198]

Share some ghost stories about the highway lol

[@mizzbarbie13]

@@private608 Hello, the group is called : Reminiscing about Lake Elsinore & Surrounding Communities can you try making a new fb?

[@uniquetoyz6215]

One place I’ve been curious about but never got info on. Just as you’re leaving San Juan heading East there’s a brick building up on a hill to the left. Any idea the history or what it might of been?

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I think you may be talking about the Eagan House. It was built in 1883 and was owned by Judge Richard Egan. There is a restaurant in there now.

[@justinvas2216]

Bluejay campground ?

[@davidortega357]

Blue Jay campground view of mount pinos off of Ortega hwy

[@thorlaizans3384]

You missed my graveyard. Although it's probably better left a secret place.

[@garyashby8894]

Forest Falls off of Falls Valley Dr off of CA38. Monkey face Falls off of CA38. Bonita Falls in Lytle Creek. All have decent access in the San Bernardino Forest and are better than anything the Cleveland's have to offer. Palm Springs Tahquitz Falls has a toll.

[@jaimechavez599]

Great video, Taking my boy's out for the drive this weekend?

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I hope you enjoy it, weather should be at least somewhat cooler up there. It is a great drive.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I hope you enjoy it, weather should be at least somewhat cooler up there. It is a great drive.

[@dabarientos]

Sad, the Ortega Oaks Candy Store closed down.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

We were on the Ortega Highway today and just found out both the candy store and Hells Kitchen closed. Terrible news.

[@dabarientos]

@@SidetrackAdventures Hell’s Kitchen moved down into Lake Elsinore. The landlord wanted to pocket the insurance money after the fire instead of rebuilding. On top of it, the weekend closures of the Ortega Highway was hurting business. I can only guess the Candy Store suffered the same way.

[@mackenziephilippi3121]

The Ortega Oaks Candy Store is OPEN and they have the best cookies

[@pudster4115]

Hell's kitchen has since burned down. I do not know if they are planning to rebuild

[@seleldjdfmn221]

Wow. We're Gonna make it! Let's build each Other up xP