Little Mashel Falls - Bud Blancher Trail — Sunday, Apr. 16, 2023

Despite a very wet afternoon, three of us hiked the trail for views of all three falls roaring through this beautiful canyon.  This very popular trail could really use some WTA love to improve the drainage and eliminate some of the huge puddles and a few downed trees which have been across the various side trails for several years.  In order to avoid the worst of the muddy sections, hikers must skirt the trail which only enlarges the muck.  But the rewards are worth the struggle as one gasps in amazement at the way this "Little" river has carved its way through the forest to join the main branch of the Mashel.  The Bud Blancher approach is a delightful gravel path over two bridges, through the woods and past farms. Hiking poles are highly recommended for the trail up to the falls after leaving the Bud Blancher trail in order to navigate roots, rocks and mud to the best viewpoints.