Remnants of the Hidden Springs Cafe in the Angeles National Forest
By now you’ve undoubtedly heard of the Station Fire that is currently burning in the Angeles National Forest in the mountains north of Los Angeles. As of this writing it’s the biggest fire in the modern history of Los Angeles, spanning more than 145,000 acres, or about a quarter of the San Gabriel Mountain range between California Highway 14 and Interstate 15. It has claimed the lives of two firefighters, injured many more, destroyed more than 60 homes, and unfortunately claimed a spot well known to me and, I’m sure, other fans of the multitude of twisty roads in the forest, the Hidden Springs Cafe.
Like many who like to drive, the Angeles National Forest is one of those areas in Southern California that’s held in shrine-like reverence thanks to the multitude of twisty, winding, rarely used roads. I’ve spent many an hour blasting through the canyons along the Angeles Crest Highway and other byways in the mountains. However, to lament that some of my favorite roads will be closed for a while would be beyond crass considering the bigger implications of the fire (which makes Autoblog beyond crass, btw).
The Hidden Springs Cafe deserves mention because of its role as a welcome way-station along the Angeles Forest Highway. Early in my career I found myself driving to Palmdale quite a bit, and it was quicker (and far more entertaining) to cut through the mountains than drone along on the freeways. Built in the 1940s by miners in the local area, the cafe was bought by the Lewis family in 1971, and has remained a family-owned business ever since.
The Cafe was a great spot, offering good burgers, some friendly conversation and, yes, clean bathrooms. The red buildings with their white trim were unexpected along the wilderness route, but it was easy to understand how it stayed in business since lots of people commuted from the Palmdale area to Pasadena or other parts of Los Angeles through the mountains. I will miss the Cafe, and I’m sure I speak for a great many people when I say I hope the Lewis family is safe, wish them all the best of luck, and hope that they are able to rebuild. If, like me, you have fond memories of the Hidden Springs Cafe, post them in the comments.
6 Users Responded to " In Memoriam: Hidden Springs Cafe "
My grandmother was the owner of Hidden Springs Cafe, and of course I do have fond memories of the cafe. It is amazing to see so many people writing things about the cafe and how many people have come together to start donating to help.
There is a site taking donations for my grandmother’s cafe …. http://socalnorton.com/index.html
Thank you so much for visiting and posting your comments. Again, my heart really goes out to your grandmother and everyone else involved with the Hidden Springs Cafe. You beat me to the punch about donations, and I strongly encourage everyone to help out as much as possible to bring this great place back!
I to visited Hidden Springs Cafe for many years whether it be on my Harley or on Patrol stopping in for pie and ice cream to Jims Venison Chili loaded with onions and cheese.. I as many are going to miss the friendly and never ending stories..I Hope Ya’all rebuild soon…It must have been devastating to watch the hills go up in flames…I worked the fire for many hours and days as a Volunteer On Patrol with the LASD and Crescenta Valley CERT And was very close to the Wall of flames Jim Mentioned To HOT to stay we also had to pull back..Our HOPE and PRAYERS are with Ya’all…
lots of love to you all.
Are they going to rebuild Hidden Spgs?
Can they rebuild legally??
How about a fundraiser to help?
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