We obtained a parking permit for Middle Falls, on fairly short notice.  There were a 2-4 available for each parking area when we obtained ours.  We  hiked from the Middle Falls trailhead up stream passed Middle and Upper Falls, then onto the Quartz Creek trail.  We continued past Straight Creek, making Snagtooth Creek our turnaround point.  We returned to Straight Creek for some explorations before returning the way we came.  Once back to the Middle Falls lot, we decided to gain the extra miles (for the Hike-A-Thon) and continuing downstream to Lower Falls then back to the Middle Falls trailhead.

We only saw a pair of backpackers near Straight Creek, other than that we had the trail to ourselves until the return trip, as we approached the Quartz Creek Trailhead, around 1:30pm.  

We clocked 17+ miles and ~ 3400' elevation gain

The Bigfoot 200 is next weekend, notices are posted and the route is marked.

Permit for day use lot on Thursday, arrived at 12PM

Road: Entirely paved if heading from Cougar except for 1 mile section of gravel road ~3 miles out from the Day Use/Camping area. Paved road can be uneven/rough at times but is clearly marked with white spray paint for the affected area and reflected pole to the right of the road. Drove my mini cooper and had no issues. 

Trail: well maintained and shaded. The detour from lower to middle falls is ~1/4 mile to the parking lot. Signage to the right to continue to upper and middle falls. I did continue past upper falls to Taitnapum Falls but would not recommend the add on. The views are minimal for the extra mile. 

All in all great place to go for a swim and hike beneath shade of the old growth. 

Wonderful river hike and some stunning falls! Definitely worth it to go to the Upper Falls.

Trail and road in great condition, and permit system removes the parking stress - good to see people using the crowd but didn't feel overwhelmingly crowded.

Roads: passable by any vehicle

Permit: required for day use area and checked upon arrival

Parking: plenty of space in the day-use lot at the lower falls. Privy at trailhead clean and stocked.

Hike: started out at the day use parking lot and did and out and back to the Upper Falls. The trail is damaged near Middle Falls so hikers are routed through the middle falls parking area to continue on to Upper Falls. Other than that the trails are in excellent shape. Good, wide tread of primarily soft pine needles. Minimal rocks, roots, or steepness made for a very accessible hike with a major effort:payoff ratio - the lower and upper falls were incredible! There were very few hikers on the trail which goes to show the permitting system is working. Very enjoyable day!

This is a beautiful hike along a very scenic river with numerous falls. Permits for day hikes are not required at this time but will be in mid June. We camped at the Lower Falls campground (reservations only) and walked both up river to the Upper Falls and down river to the Cussed Hollow area. Many little spots along the river bank to just sit and watch the river flow. The forest is beautiful, and early season wild flowers ( trillium, yellow violets, vanilla leaf, calypso orchids) are blooming.  We met a couple of groups of cyclists, but please be cautious if you bike this trail. There are sharp drop offs and we met a group who were had one of their number hit an obstacle and tumble into the river.  Luckily, he was OK, but the water is swift, cold and full of rocks.