Otter and Big Creek Falls - Taylor River

I went on the Otter Falls hike for the first time today even though it was raining. It was an easy hike, but lots of downed trees, mud, water on trail, and we were surprised that the rivers were running so high and strong. The whitewater was insane! It is necessary to cross several streams/rivers to get to Otter Falls. Two of them were pretty wide crossings. The first it is possible to balance on small logs and the tops of rocks/boulders sticking out of the water's surface. It would have been extremely helpful to have my walking sticks with me!!! I usually hate to carry them, and will do anything to make do without them... but I really can't emphasize enough how thankful you will be to have brought them. I used a stick that I found, but there aren't many that are the right length and width to be useful near the river. The second big crossing you will have to be more creative to get across, and you'll probably get at least one foot drenched anyway, like I did. My waterproof hiking boots were no match for conditions today. They got filled with icy cold water and I sloshed through 75% of the hike with water in my shoes. I was thoroughly drenched from head to toe. I was thankful my backpack kept things dry, but it might be useful to waterproof it for future rainy hikes! I was also wishing I brought more plastic baggies to keep my phone dry, waterproof gloves, extra socks, and a brimmed hat to keep the water off my face. It was worth the visit and still a very pleasurable hike, just be prepared! We skipped the trip up to the second set of falls and Lipsy Lake because we got so cold.