We hiked a loop to visit Hidden Falls starting at the Tarbell Picnic Area using the Tarbell Trail, Appaloosa Trail, road L1120 and the Silver Shadow Trail to complete the circuit. We began around 8:40am and were the first vehicle in the smallish lot. All trails were in excellent shape with no blowdown and very little mud. Signage is well-placed and frequent. Evidence of recent trail maintenance was seen on many sections of the trail (THANK YOU!!!). Though some snow was present in spots (less than an inch) no traction was needed.
After reaching the falls in 5.6 miles of well graded trail, we backtracked to the Appaloosa trail and quickly descended 1.8 miles to road L1120. This road was a long boring slog ascending 850 ft to the Silver Shadow trail. The SS trail is well graded and frequented by mt. bikers. Soon we were back on the Tarbell headed to our truck. Total distance logged in at 11.65 miles.
The day was cloudy, foggy and drizzly with a bit of wind - perfect for a day in the woods. The Tarbell Picnic Area has a privy, picnic tables and a non-potable water pump. There were 5 additional cars in the parking lot when we finished around 12:40.
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