Trip Reports

Perfect sunny weather for a hike, with a nice 70 degrees through the woods.

The trail starts out fairly level, then progresses to a moderate hill climb. Not a bad afternoon jaunt, although I would like to come back and stay at one of the campsites.

We were the only people on the trail on a Friday at 1pm, so it was a nice surprise to have the trail to ourselves.

There were definite remnants of a bear throughout the hike, so keep those eyes peeled and make your presence known.

My daughter and I took to the trail (with dog) about 10:00 a.m. We weren't sure we would hike to the end of the trail (4.5 Mi), but we "missed" the second waterfall at 3.5, and so kept on, watching for that marker. We arrived at trail's end about 1:30, had a delightful lunch by the water, near tempting campsites, and took about 3.5 hours to trek back to the car.

Road to the trail head is a bit rough, so probably a rugged car or pickup is preferable.

A few mud spots, quite a few log walks, but a delightful hike.

Didn't see any "wild life", so no bear tales for the grandkids, much to my relief!

We met a fair number of hikers ( maybe 6 parties) when we were on our way back, but otherwise we were on our own.

In other words, a wonderful hike! (Knees recovered from the downhill walk nicely by the next day).

We got there at 9:30 am and there were no other cars. Exactly what we had hoped on a Monday following a long holiday weekend. The trail was dry with no obstacles. The many many berries we passed had about one week to go until they were ripe. All was beautiful and peaceful until about two thirds up the trail we bumped into a black bear that was just about 50 feet in front of us walking up the trail as well.
We decided to cut our hike short and return down where we came from.

After all is said and done it was fun day.

We used Dan Nelson's "Best HIkes with Dogs" book to access this hike. Mileage is 23 miles from I-5 on SR 530 to French Creek Road (just past MM#41). This detail is confusing in his book with reference to 19.5 miles after turning east onto 530 from I-5. His mileage is from Arlington, not the freeway.

A sunny, dry, warm day greeted us. Three other cars at the trailhead. By the time we started off, 5 more had arrived with a Boy Scout Troop. We got busy to get on the trail.

Conditions: Very good, very few muddy spots. Some easy walking, some careful stepping, with a nice balance of each.

Flora: Nice old growth, carpets of wild dogwood ground cover

Fauna: Warblers (seen & heard), slugs and some eager mosquitos at the trail's end near the river

This would be an awesome winter hike.

THis is a popular hike. While there were 3 cars at 9:00 AM, we counted at least 35 when we drove out at 2:00 PM. Get there early for some solitude and really enjoy the falls.

We started early as to avoid the heat and the crowds. The falls were pretty and the river is moving right along with all the run off. Went the four miles to the river and only passed a couple people on the way out. Nice hike for a hot day.

The weather was great! The trail was a little muddy & crowded in some spots, but overall a great trip. The second waterfall is really what you want to see, there isn't much after that unless you purely want the exercise. Hike down to the river at the second one..its worth the sight.

My brother and I have never been to this easy hike. It was very easy trip especially to the Feature Show Falls. It would be a great kids trip with some of the most beautiful falls I have seen. The road (3 mi) to get to the trailhead was very bumpy (deep pot holes). The parking lot was full by 10:30. Lots of campers, but very few hikers. Trails were great, a little mud, but clean all the way.

Gorgeous day, lovely hike, even toted the 4-year old along. However, I wouldn't take my little ones on this hike again- with a cliff so close to the trail in places, and treacherous footing in spots, it's an accident waiting to happen. But it was really, really wonderful! Trillium were blooming everywhere, and while the first of the two "smaller" falls was pretty much nonexistent, the second was gorgeous!! The trail was in great shape, with only a very small patch of snow.

It was a great mild spring day and perfect for my first mountain hike of the year. The weather was mostly cloudy with occasional sprinkles but the sun did peak out now and then. When I arrived at the trailhead it was busy with 6 other vehicles joining mine. I came across all the hikers on the trail but had no trouble finding solitude when I wanted it. Not long after starting down the trail I found the sound of the river and was soon seeing it throught the trees. The spring thaw is on and the river is running fast. The rivers green water quickly becomes white and frothy as it clears the many rapids and rocks that are found here. The trail itself was easy to pass for over two miles. All the blowdowns have been cleared out. Wet in places and slightly muddy in others I had no trouble gettting to the two waterfalls found along the trail. After the second fall the trail became messy. A few inches of snow covered the trail in places and while easy to cross it made it very wet. I also started running into mudholes. Once I saw skunk cabbage growing right along the trail I found a spot on the river to rest before turning back. I'm not sure how far up the trail I went but I know I made it past the half-way point. Be sure to wear your boots until this place dries up a bit more.

The beginning of the trail is in excellent condition. The waterfall looks beautiful! The last 1 1/2- 2 miles of the trail is pretty muddy with snow in places. Some of the mud is so deep it swallowed my boot!
We stopped to eat at one of the campsites at the end of the trail, the campsites aren't muddy but the trail surrounding them is. There was some garbage at the campsites, which is sad. Remember to take you trash with you people!!! Just because you put it in the fire pit doesn't mean it's taken care of!
Anyway it was a nice day and a nice hike!