From a USDA Forest Service press release:
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — An off-trail area around one of Southern California’s tallest waterfalls will be closed to the public beginning on the 4th of July, San Bernardino National Forest officials announced today. Visitors will still be able to hike the Big Falls Trail (1E13) to a waterfall overlook, but areas beyond the railing will be closed due to safety (see attached map).
“There have been too many search and rescues in this area in the past,” said Joe Rechsteiner, the district ranger for the Front Country Ranger District. “We want to make sure the public enjoys this beautiful spot while staying safe. Some of rocks in Falls Creek are deceivingly slippery.”
Search and rescues by partners at San Bernardino County Fire and sheriff’s deputies are sometimes so frequent in this area that one rock in particular is known to locals as “Blood Rock.” A slip on it has sent multiple people tumbling down the middle fall, often prompting injury and rescue by helicopter.
The closure will be enacted by a forest order (see attached) and will last through May 24, 2020, unless rescinded earlier.