Some friends called me up asking if I wanted to go on a Monday Afternoon hike, and I said "Sure!" So, off to Cherry Creek Falls outside Duvall.
There is no parking lot for this trailhead, just look for the cars lining either side of the road. 3pm on a Monday and a dozen cars were gathered off the road, making the spot easy to find. The actual trailhead is located directly at the intersection of two roads, with some recent-looking curb improvements to make walking to it easier without getting hit by a car. Giant cement blocks prevent motorized vehicles from coming in (you have to edge through them) and then you are on the trail.
For most of the distance, this trail is actually an old road or driveway, making it an easy walk. The Salmonberries are coming ripe, though finding ones not already grazed by other hikers is difficult. Side trails branch off from the main, but just stay on the road. At some intersections, signs have been placed up in the trees saying "Falls" with an arrow to help the directionally challenged.
At the end of the road, you get to a wrecked yellow car, and then things get a little more challenging. The trail from here is a boothpath, often very muddy with some fallen trees to step over and the downslope sloughing off in places. At one point, it's easiest to just walk along the trunk of a giant fallen maple instead of dealing with the mud on the forest floor.
Finally, you come to an impressive old growth Western Red Cedar, which somehow escaped the logger's saw, and only steps beyond is the Falls. It's a very pretty waterfall, plenty of kids were there playing in the splash pool. Saw a couple of American Dippers there as well, hunting along the stream. The trail is a bit of a slog at times, but the falls is worth it. Next time, I'll have to bring a swimsuit.
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