This is a fabulous area to explore, and the drive out from Monroe is pretty to boot! I've always enjoyed it in the autumn when the leaves are turning. The way the water has carved out patterns in the rock just above the gorge is really cool. Looks like a fabulous day in the woods =)
The gorge is just a short trail down from the road. The falls are more of a bushwhack.
The rest of Marckworth Forest is just a maze of logging roads - some in use, most not. I think a bike would be the way to go - I once saw a group that rode up from Redmond. But it's still fun to explore the roads, and you can let your dogs run...
Cedar Ponds Road turns to gravel where the sign says 299th. Shortly after that it "Y"s - follow the main road to right. It immediately skirts a clear-cut, and you will soon see a sign for "Marckworth Forest". (Discover Pass required) Just before the road heads downhill to the left is the pullout for the gorge. Worth the stop. Just past the bridge is another pullout for DNR 1020. That will lead to some views from the other side of the gorge. If you continue on 1020, the road "Y"s, and take the right down the hill. It ends at a couple hundred yards with a bootpath continuing straight, and a smaller one to the right. Take that one down a steep slope and find yourself above the falls. If you want an unobstructed view, that will require some actual bushwhacking...
Further down the main road about a half mile is another bridge with pullout. Another nice little gorge there, and a trail down to the rocks. A lot better sittin' spot. There is also a gated road there that will take you way back into the maze...
Have fun!
Update: The falls are not so much now. The log that was blocking the stream and creating the falls has been breeched over the winter, with most of the flow diverted underneath. Not worth the effort for a peek-a-boo view. (The gorge is still cool...)
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ravennspirit on Marckworth Forest/Youngs Ck. Falls
This is a fabulous area to explore, and the drive out from Monroe is pretty to boot! I've always enjoyed it in the autumn when the leaves are turning. The way the water has carved out patterns in the rock just above the gorge is really cool. Looks like a fabulous day in the woods =)
Posted by:
ravennspirit on Jan 16, 2018 09:02 AM
mato on Marckworth Forest/Youngs Ck. Falls
It was a fun day. And you're right - the drive is nice too. Especially in late afternoon with the long shadows.
Posted by:
mato on Jan 17, 2018 12:36 AM
hikingwithlittledogs on Marckworth Forest/Youngs Ck. Falls
Pretty pics. Is there a trail or is this more of a road walk?
Posted by:
hikingwithlittledogs on Jan 16, 2018 08:03 PM
mato on Marckworth Forest/Youngs Ck. Falls
The gorge is just a short trail down from the road. The falls are more of a bushwhack.
The rest of Marckworth Forest is just a maze of logging roads - some in use, most not. I think a bike would be the way to go - I once saw a group that rode up from Redmond. But it's still fun to explore the roads, and you can let your dogs run...
Posted by:
mato on Jan 17, 2018 12:47 AM
emill3000 on Marckworth Forest/Youngs Ck. Falls
How do you access this part of Marckworth? I’ve driven down Cedar Ponds Rd a couple times but I feel like I always end up on a private road.
Posted by:
IMEllen on Jan 17, 2018 02:07 PM
mato on Marckworth Forest/Youngs Ck. Falls
Cedar Ponds Road turns to gravel where the sign says 299th. Shortly after that it "Y"s - follow the main road to right. It immediately skirts a clear-cut, and you will soon see a sign for "Marckworth Forest". (Discover Pass required) Just before the road heads downhill to the left is the pullout for the gorge. Worth the stop. Just past the bridge is another pullout for DNR 1020. That will lead to some views from the other side of the gorge. If you continue on 1020, the road "Y"s, and take the right down the hill. It ends at a couple hundred yards with a bootpath continuing straight, and a smaller one to the right. Take that one down a steep slope and find yourself above the falls. If you want an unobstructed view, that will require some actual bushwhacking...
Further down the main road about a half mile is another bridge with pullout. Another nice little gorge there, and a trail down to the rocks. A lot better sittin' spot. There is also a gated road there that will take you way back into the maze...
Have fun!
Posted by:
mato on Jan 17, 2018 02:56 PM
emill3000 on Marckworth Forest/Youngs Ck. Falls
Thank you!!!
Posted by:
IMEllen on Jan 17, 2018 06:47 PM
mato on Marckworth Forest/Youngs Ck. Falls
Update: The falls are not so much now. The log that was blocking the stream and creating the falls has been breeched over the winter, with most of the flow diverted underneath. Not worth the effort for a peek-a-boo view. (The gorge is still cool...)
Posted by:
mato on Apr 15, 2018 08:12 AM