|
This is the second of two major waterfalls along the upper stretch of Chinook Creek. The falls consist of two horsetails of about 40 feet and 100 feet, respectively. When the creek is low, the tiers appear to run together, and certainly when viewed up close, they appear as one, but when the creek is running at its peak, there is an obvious double-drop combo. During high water periods, this is a very impressive waterfall, and during low water periods, makes for an excellent prolonged shutter study for photographers, so long as you're not discouraged by some difficult travel to reach the bottom of the falls.
- Chinook Creek Falls is the Adopted name of this waterfall.
Located near Cayuse Pass, in Mount Rainier National Park. Drive south of Cayuse Pass, along Highway 123, for 6 1/2 miles, to the signed trailhead for the Owyhigh Lakes (parking on the opposite side of the road). Start down the steep trail, passing Deer Creek Falls in 1/3 of a mile. The trail intersects the East Side Trail shortly before crossing Deer Creek and Chinook Creek then reaches another junction 1/2 a mile from the road. Here, head right, and proceed for another 1/3 of a mile to a switchback. The falls can be seen through the trees to the right. Best views require a steep scramble down to the creek (head a short distance downstream), then a rock hop upstream, if the creek isn't running too high. This slope can be crumbly, and the only handholds are huckleberry bushes, so be very careful (a rope wouldn't be a bad idea).
|
