Lots of solitude in the rain today.

The road does have plenty of potholes, especially the last mile, but can be managed. We were the third car at 10:30, there were 8 cars when we left at 2:30.

We hiked briskly given the weather. Both waterfalls are nice but it is really the river that is most impressive. After the 2nd falls there is a lot more standing water and mud on the trail. All the stream crossing, also mostly after the 2nd waterfall, were fine. Plenty of interesting fungi to see. We saw only one person in the section after the 2nd waterfall, and really enjoyed the solitude with the rain and the roar of the river.

The gravel forest service road does have potholes (pictured) but if you drive slow and maneuver around them, you can make it easily in any vehicle. I have a VW Jetta and it was very doable. I arrived at 7:20 and there was not a car in sight. For the entirety of the hike I saw 3 people, on my return.

At the trailhead there is decent parking for at least six cars. There is reception at the trailhead but you do lose it about a half mile into your hike.

Note for those with kids: there are a few stinging nettles along the edge of the trail for about the first 1/2 mile. Just keep children on the established trail and you’ll have no issues.

For all hikers, watch your step on the sometimes wet roots and rocks that you’ll need to walk over. Some small water crossings but nothing to be concerned with as you can easily navigate those as well.

The entire hike you can hear the serene sounds of the river. The first waterfall, Unnamed Falls (pictured), is a great sight to see and would even be a good spot for a quick snack.

Continuing on to the second waterfall, Meditation Falls, is easy but once you leave Unnamed Falls you do get some elevation gain but it’s gradual.

When the sun hits the water just right, at Meditation Falls, it makes for a great photo (pictured)!

You’ll reach the end of the trail when you meet the river. I heard the trail use to continue to Tupso Lake and I wish it still did.

This is a kid friendly trail and next time, I’d happily bring my 9 year old with me. However, today was about peace and tranquility.

With lots of ferns, moss, trees, mushrooms, and more, this hike makes you feel like you stepped into a storybook. Enjoy and stay safe!

My favorite hike (did it two times in a week) while visiting from Berlin, Germany. Amazing landscape, very quiet and peaceful on Wednesday morning. 

Love this hike. A nice forest ramble next to a river and a couple of waterfalls to boot. Kudos to the trail crews whose work has made this path much less muddy since the last time we hiked it! Very few people out on a Friday afternoon today. Wildfire haze was mild, but definitely felt. Tons of gargantuan fungi along the trail right now. Gravel road in does have potholes, but most cars can make it in if you take it slow.

As always, lots of bumps and potholes along this forest road, but still manageable for all cars. This trailhead does not have facilities, but the pit toilet off the forest road by the campsites is open, well stocked and clean. There were only a couple cars at the trailhead when I arrived around 9am, and didn't see anyone on my way to the first falls. Spent some time there taking in the gorgeous setting before wandering the trail a bit further then back again. Only passed one small group of people on my journey this morning. Beautiful morning to take in the river and falls! Happy Hiking!