Tin Cup Joe Falls — Wednesday, May. 17, 2017

Took my annual trip to Tin Cup Joe Falls.  I thought that with this years snow they would be flowing a lot more but what I found was normal flow.  Thanks to Maddy I went in from Dingford Creek Trailhead this time.  It made it so much better!  It drops for about a third of a mile down to Middle Fork Trail - turn right here and head to the Cripple Creek Bridge about a mile down the trail.  Once here continue on the trail maybe a hundred feet and look at the left for a boot path up.  You are now on the trail to the falls.  The trail is easy to follow at times and at times it is almost impossible to see.  Keep a watch out for the orange tape here and there and you will stay on your way to the falls.  The creek will always be on your left until you get close to the lower tier of the falls.  Usually I cross a few hundred feet before the lower falls and then go up to the middle section on the left but this time we went up the big rocks and creek beds to the right.  This way is harder in my opinion and with the slick rocks a touch more dangerous.  We made it up to the middle section of the falls and hung out.  A few of our party climbed up through the forest to stand near the top section of the falls.  I did not which I greatly regret after seeing their pictures!  The path they took was to the left of the left side of the falls.  (at the middle section is where a left and right side of tin cup meet - it is awesome to see two such massive falls in one area)  Upon leaving I needed to cross the creek one more time and did not secure my boot enough on my pack and I heard it plunk down into the water.  To my horror I watch it go over the lower falls never to be seen again.  I hiked back in one boot and one borrowed water shoe!  Oh well......still a great trip.  Please only go up if you are comfortable with route finding and obstacles.