3 people found this report helpful
This was a well maintained trail, easy to navigate. there was a WTA trail crew adding some rock steps, but besides them there were no obstacles or obstructions. The trail didn't have any severe slopes, until you come to the steps but the stairs were a good size vertically. They were not wide enough for two people side by side, but some people still tried to pass while we were still on the stairs.
The falls themselves were spectacular, and very refreshing for the hot Saturday. The hike overall was faster than expected, but it was good to get there early for parking. Note that there isn't a day fee box present so if you need to, pay for/print a Northwest Forest Pass prior to arrival.
2 people found this report helpful
WTA Trail Work Party - We took part in the final day of work, for a bit at least, of creating a new set of stone stairs and improving some of the tread on a section of the trail up to the falls. This area used to be dirt and roots that was not holding up well to the vast number of people that come through here.
These work parties are always fun but today felt particularly special since we accomplished something so big with a group of fairly new volunteers. It is pretty cool how on day 1 you can be empowered to use tools and be an integral part of moving an 800 lb rock that will be a permanent part of a trail that sees 1000s of feet every year.
Thank you to all the patient hikers who had to stop and wait for a few minutes on the way up and down for us to make a safe path through.
Road/Parking: Just a short section of decent gravel road. Parking was already full at 8AM and there was a significant bathroom line. The pit toilets were stocked and relatively clean.
Trail: No bugs, a couple of water crossings, and a rocky trail with a gushing waterfall. Feels amazing on a hot day, and even better after moving rocks around :-D
8 people found this report helpful
Got a late start for the northern lights last night, but arriving at about 10:30 wasn’t too bad. Parking was very full and some cars were just off US2, but people were coming back so you could be lucky.
The fall was roaring, very cool to enjoy on a hot day. Most parts of the trail was shaded as well. Loved the mixed ages hemlocks all over the place, really added green color to the forest. Water crossings were fine, although waterproof shoes and poles might be helpful. The tread becomes rather rocky and rooty after lower falls viewpoint.
Lake was beautiful today, keeping serene itself while so many were around.
7 people found this report helpful
Despite a relentless soaking rain all day long, water and mud on trail was not a problem. I was really impressed with the water management going on here. There are a lot of stairs and they are largely 1) in good condition and 2) made for a normal human step length. GREAT JOB TRAIL MAINTAINERS! Still got soaked to the goddamn bone.
First decent hike after a surgery and I'm very pleased to have visited the falls and the lake in under 4 hours. I can feel that I'll need to step up my annual early-season PT exercises but I do not feel any worse for wear which is a huge relief.
Even with the rain and the early season the lot was 90% full when I arrived 1pm. Probably it was full and I got a spot vacated by the early risers. No TP. Even with many cars the trail was not at all what I would consider a crowded trail.
However, the lake serene toilet is 100% out in the bright daylight like 30 ft from the trail to the lake, lmao. Maybe some spring foliage will give it more than Zero privacy. Luckily, today, I had my time at the lake all to myself.
The lake is still significantly frozen with many lovely shoestring falls pouring into it from the mountain above.