While there were tons of cars at Duckabush Trail, Murhut Falls trail was empty and perfect for a quiet hike to the falls. The road was fine all the way up, albeit muddy. The trail is clear, and rhododendrons dotted the forest on both sides. Despite the rain, the drainage on this trail kept it mostly dry. The steep section toward the end shouldn't be underestimated. I was glad for my hiking poles, especially since it was a rainy day that had left sections of the rocks slippery. The falls were rushing full force; you could hear them practically from the trailhead. The canopy of trees kept me only mildly damp; once I exited, it was clear that the rain had been significant. Great trail with mild challenge for a newbie hiker like me!

Road and trails in good condition.

The road and trail were in good condition, no snow or other debris were to be found. The waterfall looked beautiful.. we would definitely do this hike again!

The road is great to Ranger Hole Trail head. After that it’s still easily passable with a 2WD sedan, but look out for the potholes! The road is completely snow-free all the way to Murhut with some small branches down from the Murhut cutoff to trailhead, but easy to avoid or go over. Photos from today’s hikes to Murhut, River Camp on the Duckabush River Trail, and Ranger Hole are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/51278183@N05/sets/72157632728301193/ Murhut Falls – the trail has a little snow in spots and some trees and limbs down but is easy to hike. The excellent drainage work on this trail means there is no water or soggy spots. We were surprised by the number of people on the trail – almost a dozen besides us, one dog off leash, one on (ours). The falls were really flowing, but as there were people smoking at the falls (seriously?), we could not stay to enjoy and headed straight back down. We continued up the road about a mile before hitting snow and turned back there. Duckabush River Trail – 4 cars at the trailhead when we arrived around 1 p.m. There’s a tree across the trail right at the beginning and lots of limbs and branches down, including a few more trees (most 8” or less). After Little Hump much of the trail is still snow-covered, but it’s only a few inches deep, well compacted, and melting out. We only went to River Camp at 2.5 miles, and the trail was easily hikeable in boots alone. A hiker coming off Big Hump told us it’s mostly melted due to the southern exposure with snow started up again on the far side. I can’t wait to get back out here with WTA in May and work on this trail!!! Ranger Hole and Interrorem Nature Trails – Oh, my stars! When I was here in January, these lovely little trails were almost impassible due to the snow, trees, and branches down. Mt. Rose Trail Crew went out and voila! All issues cleared, and beautifully, too. The trail is in great condition and lovely with mossy maples and red-brown leaves. Pretty as the trail is, the frothing green of Ranger Hole puts all other colors to shame. It is raging and gorgeous. As we stood mesmerized by the river, a bald eagle flew right over us, landed in a tree for a while peering into the calm pool down from the rapids, then flew off down the river. Spectacular!

We had hiked this trail on 11-27 and returned today to see how full the falls were after 4 days of heavy rain. We were not disappointed as the falls and creek were flowing full. This is a well maintained trail and it actually had no standing water because of the many drainage ditches. As we approached the falls we could hear the roaring sounds of the creek and falls! We met a couple with 2 unleashed dogs as we neared the TH.