Taking in a short hike today allowed for a later start time in the hopes the morning clouds would clear and the sun would break through and warm things up a bit. This trailhead is easy to find less then a mile off of I-90, Exit 34 in Olallie State Park.
At 1:00 p.m. there was lots of activity in the parking lot; people returning from their hike and a few starting as well. Fortunately, there was plenty of parking. What was most amazing upon arrival was the pronounced rushing sound of water once the car door opened. It was quite invigorating to hear the sounds of the rushing water in anticipation of seeing the falls.
The trail starts off next to the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River. It is entertaining to watch the river, boulders, rocks and sun reflecting off of the water. The trees are huge and the amount of thick moss on the trees, branches and rocks were everywhere creating interesting and stange shapes as though they were unusual art sculptures.
The trail moves away from the river and climbs to the first set of benches to get the first real view of Lower Twin Falls. Ensure you bring a hat as the temperature was a bit cold and windy as the trail is tucked in the shadows of the surrounding mountains. Look closely at the falls here and you can see a wooden bridge that crosses the falls. This is your destination.
Continue on the trail and you will come upon a huge, old fir tree majestically standing amongst some other large trees. You will see a sign posted on a wooden fence informing the many year-round visitors of its purpose to protect the tree from damage. As the sign indicates, the fence was built as a Boy Scout Eagle project in 1993.
A bit farther on don't miss the set of wooden steps to the right leading to a 2 tier viewing deck that protrudes out over the edge of the hillside to allow one to experience the power and beauty of Lower Twin Falls. The deck is amazing and it actually takes a moment to steady one's self to feel comfortable looking out and looking below - straight down into the pooling water. This view point is definitely the highlight of the hike.
The Upper Falls are not far away. Return to the main trail and soon you will reach the 80-foot bridge which you first saw at the beginning of the hike at the first benches and view point. Part of the trail was wet and rather muddy but the bridge was safe and it was fun to watch the water and check out the views on each side. Not far after crossing the bridge, the trail climbs and there is another bench along the trail with a sign indicating this was also a Boy Scout Eagle project installed in 1999. A short climb farther allows for the best view of the Upper Falls. This is the end of the Twin Falls trail.
At this point, the skies had cleared some and you could see the trail continued via switchbacks with an elevation gain. Venturing on it was surprising to get a clear glimpse of the Haystack on Mount Si through the trees. A few more switchbacks and an even better view of the Haystack. The trail started to pull away from the views so it was time to turn around.
It was a quick return to the car as the sun was low in the sky and a chill in the air. Lots of fun today for a 2 hour hike.
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