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The area around Stevens Pass is quite popular with tourists and skiers, so one would assume that easy to reach destinations such as this would be better known. Yet, every day, thousands of people drive past this waterfall, completely oblivious to the fact that exists. Though it isn't located right next to Highway 2, it's very easy to get to, and is quite pretty. Scenic Creek flows down an unassuming valley, and shortly before merging with Surprise Creek, to the south, its waters pass beneath a high-tension line clearing, and veil down a gorgeous 113 foot waterfall. One would think, that with the power lines right above, the falls wouldn't be terribly photogenic, yet the mossy gorge is very pretty, and the falls are situated so that you almost have to want to see the cables above in order for it to become a nuisance. Shortly below the falls, it appears that there is some sort of crumbled dam structure, with a siphon drawing off a small part of the creek. I suspect this had to do with the nearby railroad, or possibly a mine claim. It doesn't appear to be in use any longer, but just to be safe, please don't mess with it.
- Scenic Falls is the Historical name of this waterfall.
The falls were marked by name on a 1935 map of the Skykomish Recreation Area published by the National Forest Service. Evidently the Forest Service didn't keep track of this name once US 2 was constructed and the falls were sort of forgotten.
Located near Scenic along Highway 2. Drive east on Highway 2 for about 10 1/3 miles from Skykomish, or about 6 miles west from Stevens Pass, and turn right (south) onto an unmarked road (if you cross the bridge spanning the railroad tracks, you've gone too far). Immediately make a hard left, and follow the road across the railroad tracks to a large gravel area. Straight ahead, there is a road that leads off into the brush, either park at the beginning of this road, or drive down the road for about 200 feet, and park (the road is somewhat overgrown at the beginning, so it's up to you whether you want to risk scratching your car). About 200 feet from the beginning of the road, the hill on the right gives way, and a fairly obvious trail heads off to the right towards the falls, which can be partially seen at this point. Follow the trail for about 500 feet to the base of the falls. It's possible there are more falls above, but I did not investigate.
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