I've hiked the Dorothy Lake trail, which is the other end of this hike, and was always curious about Otter Falls. So on a late start I headed out, but still found parking at 10 am on a Sunday. I listed the road as rough, but it's only the part passed the bridge at Garfield Ledge; if you have kids with you they they will love all the bouncing around in te car!
The trail is generaly wide and is under a forest canopy. While this is a very dog fiendly trail, listen and you'll catch sight or sound of a Warbling Wren, Stellar B lue Jay, possibly a Robin and others. The turn off for Martin Lake trail is just before the wooden bridge and easy to miss. When I was there I found plenty of blow downs to hide the trailhead, and I wasn't the only one to miss the turn off (I had a quick foray, and chose to give it a miss)! There are a few streams to cross where you might get your feet ankle deep wet , but these are close to the turn for the falls, so if you need to, you can dry out once you finish getting up th esteep but short trek up to Otter Falls. Time it right, and with the sun catching the sparkling water it's amazing. For the more energetic you can go on to Snoqualmie lake, Bear, Deer, and finally Dorothy Lake if your so inclined.
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