Merrill Lake Conservation Area - Kalama River Falls — Tuesday, Jul. 25, 2023

My friend and I were camping at beautiful little Merrill Lake and, as we wanted to do a longish hike, decided to start the trail to Kalama Falls at the Kalama Falls Horse Camp.  Right at the trailhead, it stated that Cinnamon Trail was closed but didn't give any further information on if it was still possible to hike to the falls so we decided to head down the trail and see.  After crossing the bridge over the Kalama River and walking up a short incline, there were signs stating that the trail was, indeed, closed but to 'follow the red ribbons' to the falls.  So we did....  The trail was uneventful - very sparsely treed woods and really nothing much to look at.  It crossed a couple of roads early on (not sure which ones) but then crossed a paved road which we assumed was 81 (it was).  Then crossed 81 again - the point being is that the instructions on WTA are useless right now as long as the Cinnamon Trail is closed.  My recommendation is to just drive to the gated road and walk down that - you're not missing anything by starting your hike at the Kalama Horse Camp!!  BUT, the falls were gorgeous - there is a little trail that will take you to the bottom of the falls for some great pics and you can also sit right next to the top of the falls on a bunch of rocks for more great pics and lunch.  Very pretty and worth the 2-mile OW walk down the FS road to view them!