Lower Falls Creek Trail — Sunday, Jul. 31, 2022

My 5 year-old son and I ventured out relatively early from Panther Creek Campground where we were staying about 25 minutes away to beat the near triple-digit heat forecasted for later in the day and it proved to be the perfect hike for us.

The road there was well marked, easy to find, and only had a few nasty potholes within maybe the last half mile that were easily navigable by just slowing down and working around them.

The trail was in great shape and a nice gradual ascent up to the falls in under 2 miles alongside a rigorously flowing creek. This time of year (summer) the spots that presumably are pretty muddy most of the year have dried completely making it a bit dusty in places, which was more of a concern coming down. Given the precipitous drop-off immediately beside the trail take care with the little ones around these dusty areas; my son slid a little a few times but I was holding his hand for much of the hike. I probably should have had him wear slightly more aggressive footwear than the Crocs he was wearing too, but all in all it was pretty manageable and this caveat shouldn’t deter those with adventurous kids who are eager to hike.

The view at the top is truly spectacular (far more impressive than any pics would indicate) and there is plenty of space for multiple groups to chill for a bit, have a snack, and rehydrate before making the trek back down. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning?!

And a very special thanks to the kind fellow dad from Portland for snapping a few pictures for us at the falls :)