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This waterfall was a completely unexpected surprise, which I encountered while attempting to get up close with nearby Rachor Falls. The falls occur well below the steepest portion of the stream's profile as it descends down the Moon Wall, but it boisterously pounds its way down a prominent cliff band of about 50 feet where the side of the mountain is still plenty steep. The falls are partially visible through the trees from the road leading to the Black Creek hydro station on the Snoqualmie Tree Farm, but close views require a steep and somewhat brushy scramble up the side of an adjacent clearcut.
- Lower SMC Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall.
The falls nor its stream are officially named in any form that I have been able to find, so they are most commonly referred to after SMC Lake which feeds both. The lake got its name from the Snoqualmie Mill Company which was formerly situated at the outlet of the lake.
Lower SMC Falls is accessed from the Spur 10 Gate on the Snoqualmie Tree Farm north of North Bend. From North Bend, head north on Ballarat Avenue which later becomes North Fork County Road. Just under 4 miles from town, the road forks; head left (uphill). About 3 3/4 miles later you'll reach Spur 10 Gate (on the right) where a major cross road intersects the North Fork Road. Park and or bike the gated road for 1 1/2 miles to a three-way junction just past the bridge over the North Fork Snoqualmie River. Head right and then stay right at a second gated road where a rude sign points towards "Black Crik". The stream is crossed in another 1/2 mile, with the falls about 200 feet upstream.
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