Location
This excellent early-season romp heads up a lush river canyon boasting three gorgeous waterfalls with riverside campsites for an overnight, or a longer, more challenging loop.
From the trailhead at the end of 5701, descend to a T-junction and turn right (east), heading upstream toward Siouxon Creek (turning left heads downstream and connects to longer Huffman and Siouxon Peak Trails.) Just under a mile along, look for the Horseshoe Ridge trail, breaking off to the right. This 6.9-mile spur climbs to the 3,200-foot viewless crest of Horseshoe Ridge before descending to meet up with the Siouxon Creek trail farther up.
After another half mile, the trail turns slightly south of Siouxon Creek to cross Horseshoe Creek Falls on a sturdy wooden bridge; 60 yards past the falls, look for a spur that descends to a couple of secluded campsites below the falls. A quarter mile farther brings you alongside Siouxon Creek Falls, a 40-foot plunge down a narrow S-shaped cleft. Two campsites and a small, primitive shelter can be found opposite the falls; a short side trail above the falls allows for water access.
Continue up the canyon for 2 more miles to a wide stream cascading across the trail. Use caution on the slick rocks during the early season high runoff. Just beyond the crossing, fork left over another wooden bridge, this time over a deep gorge cut through the rock. Now along Chinook Creek, pass a couple more campsites, and arrive at 50-foot Chinook Creek Falls. A ford is required to connect to the other side of the trail to continue on to Huffman and Siouxon Peaks, so this makes an ideal lunch and turnaround spot below the misty falls.
Horseshoe and Chinook Creek Falls via Upper Siouxon Creek
South Cascades
This excellent early-season romp heads up a lush river canyon boasting three gorgeous waterfalls with riverside campsites for an overnight, or a longer, more challenging loop.
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Length
8.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation
Gain: 700 ft.
Highest Point: 1570 ft.
Rating
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
Northwest Forest Pass
Horseshoe and Chinook Creek Falls via Upper Siouxon Creek
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Getting There
Drive I-205 north or south to exit 30. Turn east onto SR-500, turning into SR-503, for 26 miles. Turn right on NE Healy Road, continuing 9 miles to a fork. Veer left on FR-57 for 1.2 miles, then left again on FR-5701 for 4.0 miles to the trailhead.
