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.
Comments
Greg Nieminen on Tin Cup Joe Falls, Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
I laughed a bit when I saw your note about finding your way back out at the turnaround spot. I had the same experience; easy to find your way down to the falls through the slide alder; some were cut, etc. But not so much on your way back. I ended up going too far upslope before realizing my mistake and backtracking to find the real way back down. The falls are spectacular and worth the effort.
Posted by:
Greg Nieminen on Jun 05, 2025 07:46 AM
Pika Seeker on Tin Cup Joe Falls, Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
That's funny, yes, I totally did that. I also appreciated your March trip report. That was helpful info when I got up there. It's such an amazing place.
Posted by:
Pika Seeker on Jun 06, 2025 07:49 PM