The trail starts off nicely, with a moderate incline on a wide trail through stunning rain forest. Although it gains elevation steadily, the pitch is not terribly challenging. 

The second half is a different story:  much more primitive. Once you reach the huge tree across the trail (~5' diameter), the going gets rough. Smaller, more agile folks can slip beneath this giant, but there's also a trail around it uphill to the left.  This is where the rest of my hiking party decided to turn around.

The one party we met while we were going up told us not to bother going under/around the big tree, because the trail is impassible 10 meters beyond it.  

Not true!

It looks well blocked by debris, but a quick balance-beam walk along a downed tree leads right back to the trail. There's even a flag on the downed tree marking the spot where you rejoin the path. 

It becomes MUCH more of a slog after this, with muddier conditions, many downed trees, and lots of rocks and roots. There are also two sections that are extremely overgrown—as in, bushes from the two sides that join over your head (and in front of your face, for that matter).  I managed it in trail runners, although they were pretty soggy by the end of my hike, which included light rain for much of the return.

The trail is not that hard to follow; there are just a few red-herring offshoots that could mislead you. When in doubt, generally stay left/uphill. And trust the few flags you will encounter from time to time. 

After bushwhacking through one of the worst overgrown stretches (although the footpath is still discernible beneath you), you'll reach the shore of the creek. This is a beautiful spot, and you can look upstream over several downed trees that cross the creek to see the cascade beyond. 

Backtrack a few feet from the shore to cross on the first of these downed trees, which forms a good bridge across the water. Stay more-or-less straight ahead on the other side, and nestled among a few large logs, you'll find the sweet camping spot, complete with a rock fire ring. I can only imagine how buggy it gets here at night, although they weren't out this day during my hike. 

You can bushwhack along this side of the creek to make your way to the waterfall.  The water is crystal clear.

It's unfortunate that, in this remote, infrequently visited patch of paradise, there were soggy paper towels (and who know what underneath) alongside the campsite.  Please remember to leave no trace!

Hiked this over Memorial Day weekend. It was lightly raining during my hike. First mile or so is fine, second mile has a bunch of down trees. Some of them you can climb over, some you have to shimmy under, some you walk around. Probably 10+ down trees in the second mile. I got pretty muddy. From the second mile to the end, the trail is overgrown and hard to follow, with some false trails. I crossed the stream (which is the path of the trail according to my topo map) but was never able to find the trail on the other side.

Staying over at the Stepford's Wives convention that is Seabrook, and decided to get a hike in. 40 minute drive or so up to the Quinault Lodge, then as the description states, out the South Shore road till you come upon the sign for the Fletcher Canyon TH. Maybe another 15 minute or so. 

Saw the shattered window glass in the parking lot from the last poster, and came prepared by removing anything of interest, and by leaving my glovebox open. Probably not a bad idea to just park on the road next to the lot, as that would force someone to do the deed in the open. It is far out on the road, but still a good amount of folks coming and going.

Total trip length came to just over 5 miles and took around 2.5 hours out and back. 

Overall this hike would fold under the "slightly strenuous" category. The only real reason besides the elevation gain would be the sheer amount of rocks, roots and trees that you have to navigate. They all make for a slow and slippery go, so take it easy. I can only imagine how this hike would be in the rain. 

In general, this hike is like a big green hug. Giant trees, so many shades of green, and the subtle roar of that river that guides you to the final pool and waterfall. Very tranquil and everything you would want from a visit to this area. Best bet, you will probably not have to share it with another person. Just me and my two pups the entire trek, the way I like it.

Went with a friend and our two kids, aged 10 and 13. I wouldn't describe this hike as "easy" for a few reasons: ascent is immediate and almost constant; the trail isn't in the best condition - lots of trees blowndown to scramble under or over/around; plus trail erosion and trail gets lost before the waterfall and campground. It wasn't hard, but it was not a simple walk in the park, need to be able to crawl under three foot high openings and clear path barely a foot wide. Saw scant snow until near the end: Snow and devils club made reaching the waterfall and fabled campground an impossibility for us. Kids were in sneakers, trail was lost. Very beautiful forest, big creek with boulders. Heard some bugs and saw some mosquitos but no bites. Just a couple hundred feet off the main road.