The Ojai Valley is considered one of the most haunted places in Southern California, known for the legendary "Char-Man," a disfigured, burn victim said to stalk Creek Road, and other ghostly tales such as three lanterns in San Antonio Creek leading to hidden gold. The valley's haunted reputation dates back to the era of Spanish settlement and includes stories of hitchhiking ghosts, violent encounters on wooded roads, and a rumored vampire. The most popular story claims the Char-Man is the victim of a 1948 wildfire, where a man and his son were trapped in a cabin. The father's charred remains were found, but his son's were not, leading to rumors of his ghost. He is described as a severely burned, bandaged figure with a foul smell, often seen on the wooded roads of the valley, especially near the bridge on Creek Road. The Char-Man is said to be hostile and make pained grunting noises. Some accounts mention him throwing rocks at cars, chasing motorists, or even appearing as a hitchhiker. A warning states that if you call out to the woods at the bridge, he will appear and attack.