Waterfalls are beautiful and still at high capacity. Quite a few trees down but not terrible to navigate. If you hate climbing over burnt trees this may not be the trail for you. Washouts were a nonissue. No bridge at the 3rd waterfall but we were able to ford and upon our return I laid out a log to walk though it is on the skinny side and slippery for 1/3 of it. After the 3rd waterfall the trail quickly deteriorates. I assume due to lack of use. The snowbrush(tobacco brush) has taken over the trail along with numerous flowers. Downed trees still persist and route finding is necessary through this area. The insect life was amazing and flowers were prolific along the whole route. New life is springing up everywhere you look! Flowers seen calypso orchid,vanilla leaf,false solomon seal,roses,many types of penstemon, columbine, paintbrush, pussytoes and many more! California silk moth was obviously at the end of her time - tattered wings and antennae, but felt blessed to see her.

Gorgeous, short hike, close to the road, perfect for kids. Tons of cold glacial water on the falls.

The good news is that the log blocking the main parking lot had been cleared when we arrived about 9:00am. The trail to the lower falls was in fine shape and the wildflowers were beautiful, as others have noted. Beyond that, the climb up the ridge was pleasant, if dusty. The eroded sections written about in the hike description were passable, but the last 3/4 - 1 mile to the upper falls had many downed trees (see the pictures). We went over, under, around, and through. According to a trip report from last September, WTA had been working on this trail then, so it was a rough winter for the trail through the burned area. It was doable, but a challenge and extended our hike time by quite a bit. The upper falls were beautiful although there was too much fast flowing water to get upstream to that third set of falls.

Distance: ~1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Hiked to Union Creek Falls on May 24th as part of a waterfall-hopping day in the Chinook Pass corridor. Also visited Upper Devils Creek Falls earlier in the day and West Quartz Creek Falls afterward.

Begin at the trailhead signboard labeled Union Creek Trail 956. Parking was tricky due to a downed tree blocking the usual lot, so we had to park on the gravel just outside the entrance. There is a pit toilet at the trailhead. It wasn’t too gross but not great either, and there was no toilet paper available, so be sure to bring your own.

The trail starts with a steep climb, gaining elevation quickly. The path is mostly easy, with light forest cover and a few minor obstacles including a few downed trees along the way. The trail is unmarked in parts, so having a GPS or map helps stay on track.

The area was alive with wildflowers, including delicate fairy slippers, lupine, white and purple trillium, and moneywort, adding beautiful color to the hike.

The waterfall itself was wide and majestic, swollen from snow runoff. The broad cascade had a powerful, stunning flow. The base is accessible with a short scramble over some rocks, which was manageable but requires caution.

Weather was clear with only a few mosquitoes, making for a pleasant hike overall. If you enjoy waterfall views combined with some light off-trail navigation, this is a great spot to visit.

Trail Notes:

• Parking: Limited due to downed tree blocking usual lot; gravel parking just outside entrance
• Toilet: Pit toilet available; no toilet paper — bring your own
• Trail: Starts steep, then moderate; partially unmarked — GPS recommended
• Obstacles: Some downed trees and minor rock scrambles near the falls
• Wildlife: Abundant wildflowers in spring; few mosquitoes during the hike

Would I recommend it? Definitely— even with the sketchy toilet and tree-dodging. The falls are gorgeous, the wildflowers are popping, and the short scramble makes it feel like a mini adventure. Just bring your own toilet paper!

#HikeTheState

Like others have said, there's a tree blocking the entry to the main parking lot but there's a little parking along the road here and more in the horse trailer lot. There were a surprising amount of cars but we really only ran into other people in the parking lot.

On the way to the falls there were some small trees down across the trail, easy to step over. The first spur trail down to the falls is steep. My friend was carrying her 2 year old in a pack and had to take it slow and watch her step.

The terrain of the second spur trail is much more gentle and it takes you right to the base of the waterfall. Waterflow is very strong right now.

We only went to the falls before turning around to head further down the road for our real hike but this is a worthwhile stop if you're in the area or driving by.