Note: the description above starts you off from a different spot about three miles before the the official USF trailhead. If you want to start as this description you need to stop on the road 57 after the first big right hand switch back. You won't see the sign from the car unless you look very carefully. The sign just says "trail" see attached photo.
By going down road 57 to it's end you reach the official trail head which cuts six miles round trip off. You can go all the way to Chinook falls and back. An eight mile out and back.
There is a lollipop loop option which allows for a view of Wildcat Falls but you must ford both the Chinook (just before the falls) and the Siouxon (at the wildcat trail). This was not doable in April for me and my dog. Very cold fast moving waist deep water. Late summer would be better for the loop when the water is much lower. Here is a link for the various routes from the official trail head. http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Siouxon_Creek_Hike
The out and back from the trailhead to Chinook Falls was great. Easy relatively flat hike. Trail is in great condition.
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