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Copyright © Dan A. Nelson/The Mountaineers Books Denny Creek
Denny Creek may be the most family-friendly trail in the region. The popular path leads to a series of waterfalls and to a smooth natural waterslide--a massive rock face over which the creek flows, providing a slippery summertime escape from the heat of the lowlands. Just beyond, hikers will find a couple more falls--most notably the beautiful Keekwulee Falls.
Head up the trail as it rolls north under the high viaduct that carries I-90 traffic west. The trail crosses a creek at about 0.5 mile, then winds through the forested valley before recrossing the creek at base of the waterslide rock at about 1.3 miles. Come mid-August, you'll certainly find hikers--young and old--sporting in the cold water of Denny Creek as it slides over the granite slabs. The creek is shallow enough to be safe, but strong enough to be fun. You'll want to stick close to the kids, though, as there is a small plunge pool at the end of the slab, and the cold water can be shocking. After cooling off, keep moving up the trail. Just above the waterslide is a small stairstep falls, Keekwulee Falls. In another 0.5 mile (2 miles from the trailhead), is the small Snowshoe Falls. Turn around here for a 4-mile hike. Be sure to stop at the waterslide on your way out--its worth another round of water play before driving home.
Driving Directions:
From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 47 (Asahel Curtis/Denny Creek). Turn left over the overpass and proceed to a T. Turn right and travel 0.25 mile to Denny Creek Road (Forest Road 58). Turn left and drive 2.5 miles, turning left on the paved road just after the Denny Creek Campground. The trailhead is at the road's end. Northwest Forest Pass required. Recent Trip Reports
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Denny Creek
— May 09, 2013
— sounders
Day hike
Issues:
Mud/Rockslide | Water on trail | Snow on trail | Road to trailhead inaccessible
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With the past week in the mid to upper 70's, we thought it would be great to get away and go hiking ...
With the past week in the mid to upper 70's, we thought it would be great to get away and go hiking for the day. The last thing we expected was to see snow. The road to the trail head is still not cleared so you have to park right before the snow starts and walk about .5 miles. DEFINITELY bring some sort of waterproof shoe or boot...the whole trail is covered in a ice/packed snow except for a few parts. Watch your step because some of the snow is soft and can give away leaving your foot falling deep to the base of the mounds. Be careful if you bring children! Just as you're getting to the end of the trail, it becomes a little hard to navigate; you cant really see any set trail. But follow the tracks of others, or the river upstream and you're fine. Overall it's still an amazing, not matter the conditions!
Denny Creek
— May 05, 2013
— GEMS
Day hike
Issues:
Blowdowns | Snow on trail | Bugs
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SNOW! You still can't drive up to the trail head and there is more than a foot of snow on the road....
SNOW! You still can't drive up to the trail head and there is more than a foot of snow on the road. It is slippery and COLD, even with 80's in the towns below it - dress warm and with good shoes.
Denny Creek
— May 04, 2013
— mewatson
Day hike
Issues:
Blowdowns | Snow on trail
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A ton of SNOW on the trail. We couldn't even drive up to the trail head due to snow and fallen trees...
A ton of SNOW on the trail. We couldn't even drive up to the trail head due to snow and fallen trees. Hiked about a 1/2 mile to the trail head through snow and cotinued to hike the trail on top of copact snow and ice.
Went with a dog, 7 year old and 13 year old. Definitely wasn't prepared with tennis shoes, shorts and t-shirts. Definitely very cool and crisp. But, if we could do it being completely unprepare, anyone can do it with the proper shoes and appropriate clothing. I only caution that it is pretty slippery and a bit chilly. GOREGOUS hike, running water, and crazy to think on a 70 - 80 degree day we could be hiking in snow. A very fun experience if you are up to.
Denny Creek
— Mar 31, 2013
— Worldtraveler
Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
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Lots of snow and made it very difficult to walk. The snow here is very deep. ...
Lots of snow and made it very difficult to walk. The snow here is very deep.
Denny Creek, Franklin Falls
— Feb 09, 2013
— slowButSteady
Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
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This was our third attempt to snowshoe Denny Creek this winter. This time we were smarter and parke...
This was our third attempt to snowshoe Denny Creek this winter. This time we were smarter and parked where the plowing stopped (previously 2 trips we dug out other vehicles that got high-centered on the snow past the campground). Just a skiff of new snow, so the trails were pretty packed down.
Started out on the Denny Creek trail but, much to our disappointment, we had to turn back at the first creek crossing because the bridge was impassable. Snow buildup on the bridge was well above the hand rails, mounded and undercut. We turned back and took the trail to Franklin Falls instead. Very well trod and, since it was now after 11 a.m., it was pretty busy. Creek and falls were beautiful though with snow caps and impressive icicles. Considered taking the Wagon Wheel Trail back, but it was not tracked at all and our dog immediately post-holed so we stuck to the falls trail coming back also. |
![]() The water slide area of Denny Creek. Photo by "Solo Steve."
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