The short unpacked section of road was pretty rough but there were teslas at the trailhead so anyone can make it. Trail itself had a few small trees on it and the water at the two largest creek crossings was a little high but overall manageable. Waterfall was gorgeous and trail up the hill from both the lake and the main trail was easy to traverse.

Our group of five senior hikers met at 10 at the trailhead for a hike up to Otter Falls and back on this sunny day. Plenty of parking there with a decent well stocked privy too. As others mentioned the MiddleFork road is beautiful until right before the bridge and up to the parking area where it’s pretty potholed. I was glad I had a high clearance 4 Runner. 

The trail is rocky in places and our ankles felt it a bit… the several stream crossings are all do able now. 
Not too many others on the trail just a handful all day long. 

it’s about 4+ miles to the left turn and climb up the hill to Otter Falls. It’s really a lovely secluded spot and our largish group didn’t dwarf the base of the falls at all… with just two other hikers there enjoying the amazing site and sound of the falls 

Interestingly we all saw a small brown bat flying above Lipsy Lake at the base of the falls, taking sips of water and looking for bugs to eat. That was a first. 

After a half hour lunch we headed back. It feels kinda long heading back but it’s a gentle downhill slope most of the way back to the parking lot. 

Left at 10:30 back to the cars by 3:30 to drive home in the soul crushing traffic. About nine miles total..Thumbs up though on this hike…

Trail is in great shape! A few blow downs past the Otter Falls turn off.

Concerning part is that someone built a large A frame with tarps just past otter falls, downhill on the side trail past the boulders.

I didn’t enter it. Be careful out there.

We had a terrific hike to Otter and Big Falls today. One car was in the lot when we pulled at 10:00, it was 48 degrees with overcast skies. The vault toilet was open and had no TP. When walked back up just before 4:00 it had been serviced after weekend use and stocked with numerous rolls of TP.  As mentioned in previous trip reports the drive to the trailhead lot has serious pot holes to dodge after you cross the Taylor River Bridge. The entire trail was mostly dry. Two thirds of the trail is loose rocks with exposed roots due to erosion, so you really appreciate the softer needle cushion duff areas. There were 6 downed trees to step over or take a path around. I doubt this trail get’s much trail maintenance.  Every where you looked all the fauna is green. Wildflowers were along the trail throughout. We saw oodles of trillium, bleeding heart, salmon berry, miner’s lettuce, yellow & purple violets, skunk cabbage and false Solomon seal. Both falls are spectacular in their own way so hard to recommend one over the other, visit both for an 11 mile outing. Trail traffic was super-light we only passed 5 other group with 1-3 hikers a 3 we behaved dogs on leashes or great voice recall. Animal sightings were nonexistent except the call of a woodpecker near Big Creek Falls. Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.

Hiked with RWHG members, including Outside Nancy (see her trip report). The road has multiple potholes, but it is passable. Outhouse at the trailhead. The trail is wide for much of the journey, a gentle sloping incline near the river through the mossy forest replete with spring wildflowers and new growth. Pay attention to your foot placement because of exposed loose stones on sections of the trail. Poles are helpful for stream crossings. The scramble up and over the hill to Lipsy Lake is rewarded with a pleasant lunch spot, with a view of Otter Falls. This would be a great place to dip your feet in warmer weather.