Updates at Eaton Canyon

August marked nine months since the Eaton Fire burned across the San Gabriel Mountains and into the foothill communities of Altadena and Pasadena. However, the closing of Eaton Canyon to the public has allowed the flora and fauna to recover and begin to thrive after the blaze by minimizing human disturbance and reducing further erosion. This resurgence of the canyon is largely due to the resiliency of the landscape, the closing of the canyon to human visitors, and the presence of fire followers — plants that grow soon after a fire. 

These plants have seeds with very sturdy shells that need to be damaged for the plant to grow, this process is called scarification and can be caused by wildfire elements. A fire can remove plant overgrowth and release nutrients stored in hardy plants. These nutrients provide the ideal environment for certain flora to flourish. 

Fires change how life competes for resources. Where trees are plentiful, light can be a limited resource for plants below the canopy. After a fire, the absence of shade from large shrubs or trees also allows annual wildflowers to grow larger and more generously from the lack of competition within the first few years after a fire. 

Below are some fire followers that are currently blossoming at Eaton Canyon:

Mariposa Lily

Some species of mariposa lilies are considered fire followers as they tend to bloom far more frequently in the years immediately following a wildfire.

Poodle-Dog Bush

Named for its resemblance to the curly-haired canine, this seemingly innocent-looking plant can produce a painful rash for people who touch it (beware). The plant’s seeds can be dormant for years until a fire induces germination. Once the plant dies, it typically will not be seen again until the next burn. 

Short Lobed Phacelia

The short lobed phacelia (Phacelia brachyloba) can be found in all over southern California and northern Mexico: along the coast, valleys, and canyons. It is typically one of the first flowers that appears in recently burned areas. 

Large Flowered Phacelia

Large flowered phacelia (Phacelia grandiflora) grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral in southern California and Baja California. It grows abundantly in recently scorched regions by wildfires. 

The growth at Eaton Canyon is still vulnerable to trampling, erosion, or soil compaction—especially along informal trails or fire-scarred slopes. Non-native species such as shortpod mustard are spreading aggressively in some areas and shoes and dogs can unintentionally carry and spread seeds, exasperating the issue. By staying out of the natural area and off trails, and respecting the closure, the public helps ensure that Eaton Canyon can comeback as a biodiverse, fire-adapted landscape. The photos above and video below document site conditions in August 2025.

You can support restoration and stewardship efforts by donating to the Eaton Fire Recovery — Los Angeles County Parks Foundation. Contributions help fund trail rebuilding, habitat recovery, signage, and educational programming.