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As if the spectacular views at the end of the Heliotrope Ridge trail aren't enough, there are literally dozens of waterfalls pouring off the ridge all around. If you find that the West Fork of Heliotrope Creek is running too high for you to be comfortable fording, and still want to see a good waterfall, then this one is for you. This waterfall occurs about 1/3 of a mile upstream from where the trail fords the West Fork. You have to work to see it, but it's one of the best in the area. The falls drop about 130 feet down the sloping bedrock of Heliotrope Ridge, though it's difficult to get a firm idea of the true height of the falls because of foreshortening issues which plague most waterfalls in this area. Immediately downstream, and on either side of the main falls, are two more waterfalls, each on smaller tributaries. The falls on the left drops several hundred feet in a similar fashion as nearby Heliotrope Falls, and the falls on the right veil about 50 feet. Neither of the other two falls are as impressive as the main falls. Like Heliotrope Falls, the path of the melt feeding this waterfall may shift periodically and as a result the volume in the waterfall may be more or less than what is pictured here at any given time. Upon my last visit, there was maybe 1/4 as much water flowing over the falls as my first visit.
- Hogsback Falls is the Proposed name of this waterfall.
I've named this previously unnamed waterfall after The Hogsback, a long moraine which descends from Heliotrope Ridge just to the west of the falls. The climbers trail which leads to the Coleman Glacier ascends the formation.
Located on Heliotrope Ridge on the north side of Mount Baker. Heading east from Maple Falls, along Highway 542, just 7/10 of a mile to Glacier Creek Road, and turn right. Follow Glacier Creek Road for 8 miles (stay right at all major roads after crossing Glacier Creek) to the Heliotrope Ridge trailhead, marked by restrooms, and likely several cars. Park, and follow the moderate, but well graded trail for 2 miles a fork in the trail. To reach the bottom of the falls, follow the left branch, signed for the Moraine View, for another 1/3 mile, to the West Fork of Heliotrope Creek. Alternatively, the falls can be seen from the Hogsback by following the Climbers Trail, right at the fork, and climbing steeply for about 1/3 of a mile, then traversing about 50 feet left of the trail once the falls are audible.
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