Followed the Middle Fork trail downstream from the Dingford Creek trailhead, and picked up the (informal) Tin Cup Joe Falls trail just past the bridge across Cripple Creek. Didn't attempt to cross below the lower Tin Cup Joe Falls, but instead followed a trail leading to a view of the upper Tin Cup Joe Falls.

Road Conditions. Smooth sailing on the paved Middle Fork Rd. The Middle Fork-Goldmyer Rd was rough as usual, but all the huge potholes had been filled... with water. No problem with a bit of clearance and AWD, but slow-going.

Trail Conditions. The Middle Fork trail was in very good condition, just a few small streams that were easy to step over. The Tin Cup Joe Falls trail was unsigned, but appeared to be well-trodden with decent tread for the most part. It was narrow and steep and twisted around/over/under the occasional large blowdown. The trail was mostly easy to follow, the only tricky spot was upon arriving at the river crossing just below the lower falls: After skirting along the riverbank a bit, the trail popped back into the forest, ascended a rocky gully partway, and traversed across a patch of alder before rejoining the river just below the upper falls. Hopped across a side channel to an island for a better view.

Highlights. Beautiful, mossy forest with some very old trees,  spectacular waterfalls.

Crowds. The trailhead parking was almost full, but saw only two parties on the trail, including no one on the Tin Cup Joe Falls trail.

This is probably the prettiest trail I've hiked this year, but there are some important caveats for both the road and the trail. 

I started from the Dingford Trailhead. The road in is challenging, particularly a couple of dry creek crossings. It took me 40 minutes to go the 6 miles. High clearance would be wise. There were 5 other cars at the trailhead and around 8 or 9 people, most of whom appeared to be going to Goldmyer. (Those were the only people I saw all day.)

The Middle Fork Trail from the Dingford bridge down to Cripple Creek is one of the most scenic stretches, which is why I chose to start here instead of the lower Middle Fork Trailhead. It also cuts several miles off the trip. It's mostly flat here and the mile or so to the turnoff goes quickly.

The Tin Cup Joe Falls trail starts right after the bridge over Cripple Creek. I felt like it's a pretty clear trail all the way up to the start of the falls. I would say it falls into the "fun obstacle course" type of trail, particularly with the blowdowns, many of which you have to go under as they appear to be old growth trees.

The challenge though starts at the base of the lower falls.

The official trail fords the creek. Today I felt it was too deep and swift to do that safely. There is also a way to the upper falls on the climber's right side of the creek without fording, but it involves scrambling and route finding. 

If you choose that option, previous hikers have set cairns along the creek that lead to a talus gully, which you follow up until more cairns show a way across a log and under slide alder, then back down to the base of the upper falls. I don't think I can emphasize enough that if you go that route, pay extremely close attention. Once you're down at the base of the falls, it's somewhat hard to see the route back up. In fact, this part of the hike would make a really great commercial for those inReach devices. My more primitive GPS and downloaded trail map didn't really cut it here.

Arrived at the Middle Fork trailhead at 8:15 with one other car there. The Middle Fork trail was in great condition with just a few muddy spots. Took the boot trail at Cripple Creek up to Tin Cup Joe Falls. Trail to the lower falls was in great condition. Pretty easy to follow all the way up to the lower falls. There were a few obstacles but nothing major for a seasoned hiker. From the lower falls I took the boot trail to the right and up and above the lower falls to a view of the upper falls where it stops at some thick vegetation. Whacked through the brush to the creek and the base of the upper falls. It was a really beautiful spot. Noticed you could cross the creek below the segment on the left and continue up, but I chose to save that for a return trip. I hiked back down to the bridge over Cripple Creek. On the way down I did lose the trail twice but quickly regained it. From the bridge I headed towards the Dingford Creek Trailhead. This part of the Middle Fork trail was very easy and pleasant. From the trailhead I hung a right on the gated middle fork road for a quick easy stroll to Dingford Creek Falls where I powered up for the 6 mile return trip. The way back sucked. It was a lot more uphill than I was expecting. I was pooped by the time I arrived at my car. An over 14 miles and 9 hour adventure. I wasn’t too impressed by the middle fork trail honestly. You’re not by the river for very long and not much to see besides through-the-trees views of Garfield Mt. Only one decent stream crossing before Cripple Creek. Not a hike I would do solely for that trail. It’s more of a connector trail to farther away destinations. It was a long, fun and tiring day.

Made my 3rd trip up to Tin Cup Joe Falls on a perfect Sunday!

Started at the big paved Middle Fork TH and hiked the 4-5 miles along easy well kept trail to the Cripple Creek bridge.  After fortifying with some coffee and baked goods, my hiking buddy and I headed up the obvious, steep bootpath right next to the bridge.

Every time I've done this in the last few years, it's been a little easier to follow.  The first half is through second growth forest and it's the easiest.  Trail is obvious and the blowdowns are few and small.  It's just kind of steep a'la Mailbox old trail.  Once you get beyond the reach of the loggers' cables and the amazing old growth forest begins, things get harder.  The blowdowns are enormous and it's a little trickier to refind the trail after you go over / under the blowdown.  But not too difficult really.

We did find the cairns that mark the crossing and spied a piece of orange flagging tape on the other side.  But we decided to leave that for next time.  We kept going up the creek till we came to the lowest splash pool for the small fall.  At that point, we left our packs and poles behind to lighten the load and headed up the rocky gully on the right side of the creek.  Helpful cairns are here and there to guide you to the best lookout for the falls.  It's really worth going up this section or you won't really see the whole show.  Saw some deer scat on this section.  

A huge thanks to whoever lugged a chainsaw up this trail!  They cut several of the smaller blowdowns out of the way, fresh sawdust.  I forgot my garden nippers, but did break a lot of the annoying slide alder and threw a bunch of branches off the trail.

I continue to think this place would be really popular if it was a little easier to get to!  But today, we saw nobody else once we turned off the main Middle Fork trail.  Once you get a little bit up here it really has a remote wilderness feel.