Union Creek — Friday, Jul. 26, 2002

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Decided to check out the waterfalls on the Union Creek trail. Arrived at the trailhead about 0800. The outhouse was out of toilet paper so I guess it pays to always bring your own in case you need it. The first set of falls is close to the trailhead just after you cross a wood bridge across the creek. The trail climbs up one side of the falls and allows good views of the falls. Some side trails allow better access to the falls than the main trail. The trail then climbs steeply to the top of the falls and continues through the forest. Some of this area appears to have been hit by a fire sometime in the near past. Some charred tree trunks attest to this. The trail then continues up to the second set of falls. A neat little bridge crosses the creek right at the brink of one set of falls. A short branch trail right after the bridge leads to another neat fall. The main trail then leads up and follows the creek up the valley. At about four miles, the trail drops down near the creek. I scrambled over some trees and found a campsite next to the creek and had lunch. Unfortunately the mosquitos didn't allow me to enjoy the serenity too much so I cut lunch short and headed back. Didn't see too many people on this trail. If you are near Chinook Pass and want to see a couple of nice waterfalls you might want to try this trail.