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The North Fork Snoqualmie River runs south along a ten-mile long escarpment of the Cascade Mountains which runs from the Tolt River to North Bend known as the Moon Wall. Several streams run over this escarpment en route to joining the North Fork and every one of them produces at least one significant waterfall - many produce multiple. The unnamed stream which flows from SMC Lake makes the most significant drop, cascading some 1,200 feet in about one-third of a mile. While effectively the multiple waterfalls found along its length could be grouped together and considered one big series of falls, because there is no way to see more than one section of any of the falls at any given time we have concluded that the falls should be segregated.
The largest group of waterfalls along this stream is found about half way down the formation, situated mostly between a former logging road and an active road. The falls consist of roughly six major drops, the largest of which is a large horsetail-style drop of about 175 feet but which is exceptionally difficult to access. Situated immediately adjacent to the actively used road are drops of 25 and 21 feet, and then a third drop immediately below the road of 45 feet. Just upstream from the upper set of roadside falls is another drop of 30 feet which can be just barely glimpsed from the road.
The waterfall occurs within the Snoqualmie Tree Farm, which is managed by Hancock Timber. Public access - even on foot or bike - requires a recreation permit which runs $75 for non-motorized access and about $200 for motorized access.
- 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.
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 left at the next major road. The roadside portion of the falls will be encountered about 2 miles from the 3-way fork after the road has climbed steeply up a hill.
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