You'll work up a sweat on this easy to moderate hike to the spectacular Teneriffe Falls (formerly Kamikaze Falls). Go in the spring when the tread is snow-free and the waterfall is flowing at full volume. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with views of the surrounding Snoqualmie valley and nearby peaks. With limited parking at the trailhead, this trail doesn’t get too crowded. It's a nice alternative to neighboring Little Si and Mt. Si if you are looking for a quiet hike near North Bend.

The hike starts from an unsigned trailhead at the school bus turn-around off SE Mt. Si Road (elevation: 950 feet). Walk around the gate and follow the gently inclining Mount Teneriffe Road for just under one mile. At this point (elevation: 1230 feet), you’ll reach an unsigned but obvious junction with another road/trail. Turn right here and the wide tread will soon narrow as the trail climbs gradually along a wooded ridgeline with occasional views of the valley below. You’ll cross a couple of shallow creek beds that are normally dry, but may have water flowing through them during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt. Wet or dry, they should be easy to cross.

At approximately 2 miles from the trailhead (elevation 1600 feet), you’ll reach the next intersection, signed: “Teneriffe Falls.” This is the start of the new trail. For hikers familiar with the old bootleg trail that was painfully steep and dangerously slippery, the new switch-backed trail is a delight! If you’re looking for a workout, don’t worry, you’ll still get it on the new trail. Over the next mile, you’ll gain most of the elevation on this hike, approximately 770 vertical feet. Thanks to the work of the Department of Natural Resources and the Mountains-to-Sound Greenway, the new trail makes the effort enjoyable.

The 20+ switchbacks up to the base of the falls wind in and out of tree cover. If the weather is clear, you’ll have wonderful views of surrounding peaks and the Snoqualmie valley below. If not, enjoy the second and third growth forest you’re walking through and the sounds and sights of the nearby stream flowing from Teneriffe Falls. You might glimpse sections of the old bootleg trail that ran parallel to the stream along the way. Please stick to the new trail! It was built to provide a safer trail for hikers and to minimize erosion and sediment in the fish-bearing stream. The tread consists of loose rock in places, so sturdy shoes or boots will help keep your ankles and feet happy on this hike. If you are hiking with children, keep them close by as there are some steep drop-offs along the trail.

As you near the end of the trail, you’ll get a view of the lower part of Teneriffe Falls. Snap a photo, and then continue up the last couple switchbacks to a viewpoint for the upper falls. You’ll reach this point (unsigned) at approximately 3 miles from the trailhead and at 2370 feet in elevation.

Due to funding issues, this last section has not been brought up to standards. As a result, the DNR does not consider the trail complete. The viewing area is a small, mostly flat area with a steep downhill drop-off, so be careful where you step and where you set your pack. If you choose to scramble down to the level area between the upper and lower falls, be aware of slippery rocks and sketchy hand and foot holds. Both make it difficult to get down and then back up to the trail safely. For groups of three people or fewer, this makes a nice snack or lunch spot. Larger groups should choose a spot down trail to take a break.