Heads up! The main parking lot at the trailhead is currently impassible due to a large fallen tree blocking the entrance. we had to park at the Stock Trailer dirt lot. The bathroom at the trailhead was open, but there was no toilet paper—BYOTP.

Spring is in full swing along the trail. Thatcher ants are actively rebuilding their large mounds, especially near trail edges—watch your step! Trillium is blooming in various stages, and the real showstopper right now is the Fairy Slippers (Calypso Orchids). They’re peaking and can be seen in large clusters near both ends of the log bridge crossing.

Trail conditions were dry and very manageable. However, be aware of a new social trail forming just after the log bridge heading upstream—it can lead hikers off course. We saw a family accidentally follow it and have to scramble up a steep slope to reconnect with the main trail. After the log bridge, stick to the switchbacks heading east of the creek.

We only ventured to the two main viewpoints of the lower falls. Water flow is still strong but on the decline—now’s the time to catch it before summer sets in. As always, this trail delivers a big reward for minimal effort.

#HikeTheState

As many have noted, there is a large tree down blocking the entrance to the parking lot, but there are a few spots you can park before this.

I had planned to hike up to the north fork falls, but it was quite a bit warmer than I anticipated making the exposure in the burn area intense and my black dog overheats easily. So we turned around and hung out by the waterfall/creek for awhile to cool down and have snacks. 

Got to see the neat little orchids a previous hiker mentioned in their report.

I had done Edgar Rock and then popped up to check in on the falls- only went to the two spur lookouts. the upper one was pretty wet as you approach the falls- so much spray it looked like it was raining as you approached and I had a good coat of mist quickly all over (but it was also windy.) great timing with quite a large volume of water and bonus timed some sun illuminating the top of the falls. These falls are quite impressive in late spring. saw quite a few Calypso orchids (saw one here before but not so many) which are beautiful and tiny and also quite a bit of trillium in various shades. there is a large tree down across the parking lot preventing access to the parking which required me to sit and flip my legs over but my 10 pound dog jumped up and over. (you might even be able to walk around it but there were some other folks in the way) one other set of trees down across the trail that also weren't too hard to step over (and I am short for reference). with parking lot currently blocked the shoulder pull out has space for at least several cars as it's for trailers although looks pretty uneven at the moment( I suspect maybe it gets flattened after winter stuff is fully completed). WC was open but no tp.

One of the most spectacular falls I've seen in Washington, and I've been to many. Only went to Union Creek Falls, which was an short but steep trail, only about 1/2 mile to get to the base of the falls. Trail continues but we didn't travel beyond the falls. I'd never heard of these falls and only stopped at the trailhead since it is right off of Hwy. 410. Falls were still running, even this late in the season. I imagine it would be even more stunning in June or early July during peak snowmelt. Trail down to the base is somewhat sketchy because it is so steep, but use of poles and careful stepping made it fairly navigable. There are some Larches sprinkled in the forest but they were only lime green. Next weekend would probably be their peak colors. The main falls is close to 100 feet high. The picture does not do these falls justice, as usual. You need to see it for yourself.

The trail to the upper falls had some logs and rough spots but on the return trip we encountered the WTA crew and were very impressed by their hard work and cheerful attitude. Thank you very much for all that you do here in Washington.