Trip Reports

Couldn't get across bridge that was down, nor could other hikers, thus couldn't make it to Otter Falls. Is there an alternate way with the bridge being out?

We were going to hike this trail partway to Marten Creek falls, but halfway down to the trail head we found a road closed sign. A call to the forest ranger (425-888-1421) was made and were were told that the road is closed just before the Taylor River Bridge and that 4 wheel drive and high clearance vehicles were needed to get even this far. There are MAJOR potholes to be fixed as well as the bridge.

Made my way out here yesterday to see how the trail was looking. The road is out about five miles from the trail head. The hike in isnt that bad but the river has crossed the road at one point. Its easy to cross just need to take a little time. Once you get to the bridge that is out you can cross it via a log. once your passed the bridge its smooth sailing.

Tried to hike this trail today after reading about it on WTA. Unfortunately the road is closed at least 5 miles ahead of the trailhead.

Confined to the flat stuff with a gimpy, but finally improving, knee I took a cue from Tony and went off chasing waterfalls. Water was already falling from the sky anyway so why not make a theme of it.

First up was Franklin Falls. I only wanted to get a few photos so I took the lazy/cheater trailhead parking near the uppermost switchback in the road. I was at the falls in 10 minutes. It was raining pretty steadily and the falls were roaring, making for a very misty experience. I dont think I managed a single shot without many droplets on my lens. As I was packing my camera away, umbrella balanced over my shoulder, a little gust of wind kicked up and before I could grab it the umbrella skipped away into the raging creek. It floated upside down for a second then sunk like a ship. There was no way I could grab it without risk of falling in. Another few seconds and it was gone, swept away. Hopefully it does a good job keeping some fish dry.

I made a side trip up to the gas station at the pass for a new one only to find they dont sell umbrellas. It was mostly a steady drizzle now, not heavy rain, but it meant my SLR would likely stay in the backpack and no macro shots this time. I drove back down the road again to my second destination, Keekwulee falls. I'd planned to stop at Fall-Into-The-Wall Falls too but forgot to write down the directions. I wandered in the drizzle up the trail, crossed the slippery slabs on the slippery bridge, and found my way up to Keekwulee falls which was going at a near spring flow. I took a photo then headed back down to my final stop, Otter Falls.

I stopped at the gas station mini mart near the truck town and was again surprised they dont sell umbrellas either. The BBQ smelled really tasty though. I left that for later and drove up the Middle Fork road. The King County section is in pretty bad shape, tons of pot holes and standing water. Glad I didn't wash my Outback after last weeks mud adventure. Happily the Forest Service half is in great shape, almost no potholes! I stopped for a quick photo of the bridge at the Middle Fork trailhead and continued on to the Taylor River.

I hadn't hike this one for a few years. Just as rocky and slick as I remembered it. With the camera confined to my backpack I made good time. I paused for some long exposures of Marten Creek since the rain had let up, then continued on to Otter Falls. Someone had helpfully written "cairns" in big block letters on the jumbo cairn that marks the falls trail. There was also a sign for the falls, new since my last visit. Otter Falls was nice as always though Lipsy is a much prettier lake when not surrounded by late fall decay. I took a few photos and headed out to beat sunset.

I'd forgotten hot monotonous the walk out on this one is. Even though it only took an hour and a half it seemed to stretch forever. I was happy to be back at the car. As I walked up two guys had just finished changing a flat in their SUV. I changed into dry socks and started the drive out. Slow going and a real adventure trying to spot the deep potholes in the dark. Halfway out I passed another victim with a completely blow out tire. Take it easy out there everyone!

Trip photos here: http://www.pbase.com/billcat/otterfalls

Taylor River is a reliable standby, especially for late season and late in the day. On a Tuesday, we encountered three other parties on the trail.

No fall color to speak of anymore, and the leaves are starting to fall. An interesting assortment of mushrooms. A distressing amount of litter.

The sign at the trailhead didn't say anything about hunting, but when I called Fish and Wildlife, they said to wear orange.

A LOT of work has been done on the trail recently, and it looks like there is more to come. The tread is vastly improved in several areas. It looks like there's been work on drainage. On the other hand, a new section of trail has been built around the rocks that you used to have to scramble over just after the bridge over Marten Creek. Not nearly as much fun. Also, there's an actual sign at the turnoff to Otter Falls (in addition to the eponymous cairns). I know everyone already knows about Otter Falls, but I liked it better when it felt like you went up a secret unmarked path to get there. At least they haven't paved SE Middle Fork Road (yet).

NICE FALL HIKE FOR DOGS & THEIR PEOPLE.

On this spotless autumn day, Shepherd and I wanted to take Chandler, my newest seeing-eye puppy-in-training, out for his very first hike. We needed something not too strenuous, but still with some decent mileage, good watering holes, beautiful scenery, and no hunters. Shepherd found the perfect hike, "Big Creek Falls (Taylor River)," in the guide book "Best Hike With Dogs: Western Washington" but the directions to get there could've been clearer. We spent an hour driving all over the place trying to find the roads they referenced. Below are much better directions.

The hike feels pancake flat, but in reality, gains about 700 ft over 5 miles. The path is straightforward, marching through dense old forests on a well-maintained trail (that was once an abandoned road project), with the sound of the river rushing beside you much of the way. When the river sounds fade, the crash of waterfalls is heard. The fall sunshine was brilliant as it backlit
mossy trees and sparkled like diamonds off the dew clinging to perfectly spun spider webs.

The path is wide enough for conversing humans and dogs to roam side-by-side for much of the way. Plenty of rivulets cross your path, along with several plunge pools at the bases of the falls, so no extra water needed, just a filter. It's shaded almost all the way.

At 3 miles, you'll cross Marten Creek, a pretty little falls. In less than another 2 miles, you'll come to a pile of rocks on your left, helpfully marked "Cairns." Just above this, you'll see a sign that reads "Otter Falls." *This is a wonderful side-trip, not to be missed!* In fact, it was the
highlight of our hike, as you scurry a few hundred yards up a modest hillside and climb up on the lip of a gorgeous little pond (Lipsy Lake) where Otter Falls comes tumbling and spraying down a sheer granite face. The leaves were on fire around the little lake, brilliantly dressed in red and orange and ochre. The dogs spent an enjoyable half hour paddling around the lake, retrieving sticks, and soaking up the sun, while Shepherd took 200+ photos of the leaves, the lake, the waterfall, the dogs, etc. A perfect lunch spot.

If you go back down to the main trail and continue on to 5 miles, you'll come to Big Creek Bridge, our turn-around spot. It's a concrete bridge that looks commpletely out of place, "a remnant of the old road and a developer's dream." The falls slide over huge granite rock faces like a giant spillway.

If you decide to continue on down the trail, you'll eventually hit Snoqaulmie and Dorothy Lakes.

Although the trail is open to mountain-bikes and dogs, it is seldom-used. We passed only 6 other hikers and 3 trail maintenance crew, who've done a nice job getting blow-downs cut and out of the way. While we looked for them, We never did see any "springboard notches" in the tree stumps mentioned in the guide book.

Now after reading all this, you may think this hike sounds boring. While it's no sweat-buster and there aren't any grand sweeping vistas, if you're looking for a nice stroll through autumn leaves on a little-used but well-maintained trail, safe from hunters and great for dogs, pleasant waterfalls and pools to play in, and beautiful fall foliage,this is the hike to take this week.

DIRECTIONS TO SNOQUALMIE LAKE TRAILHEAD:
I-90 East to exit 34 (469 Ave SE). Turn LEFT onto 469 Ave SE. *BTW: the world's best BBQ is at the 76 gas station on your right, at Rhoadie's Restaurant*

Go approx. 0.3 miles on 469 Ave SE and turn RIGHT onto SE Middle Fork Rd.
In a little bit, you'll come to a fork in the road. We followed the dismal directions in "Best Hikes With Dogs" and turned LEFT to stay on SE Middle Fork. (However, if you go straight, it's Lake Dorothy Rd., which meets up with SE Middle Fork again...see below)

Drive about 2 miles in and you'll come to Valley Camp Ministries.
Turn LEFT onto Lake Dorothy Rd.
Drive 10 more miles, passing a road on your right to Dingford Creek Trail. *Warning: miles 2-8 are incredibly pot-holed, so don't be tempted to speed down this road*
Another 0.5 miles brings you to the end of the road, at Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead.
Parking available

TIME IN: 1:45
TIME OUT: 1:45
ELEVATION: feels pancake flat but in reality, is about 700 ft
DISTANCE: 10 miles
PASSES: NW Forest Pass needed to park at the trailhead.