|
West Quartz Creek Falls is an ethereal 126 foot plume located in a stunning yet barren canyon. Though West Quartz Creek has a modest drainage area, that it lies on the dry side of the Cascades works against the creek and causes the stream to lose most of its volume by July. Visiting the falls in April or May, one will be greeted with a roaring plunge into the abyssal canyon, but come July as one approaches the falls, the sound is so faint and muffled by the shape of the canyon that one actually has to look for the waterfall rather than listen for its whereabouts. West Quartz Creek Falls can be seen from both the canyon rim and from a more favorable angle from within the canyon. The canyon rim view is either from the side or partially obstructed and only offers complete views by getting dangerously close to the edge, while the better view requires a dangerous scramble into the canyon, so visit at your own risk.
- West Quartz Creek Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
Driving east along Hwy 410 from Chinook Pass, turn north on the Little Naches River road 22 miles from the Pass. Drive north for about 2.75 miles, passing Horsetail Falls in the first mile to road # 1902. Proceed .4 miles then turn left onto road # 1920. Drive along this dusty road, often bisected by motorbike trails, for about 1 mile to a junction, and keep right. Park in another 3/4 mile just before crossing West Quartz Creek. The canyon is located about 300 feet away to the right of the road. Walk down the open slopes to the rim where side views can be had looking down onto the falls. Following a faint trail along the rim of the canyon will lead to a user path dropping halfway down the canyon and contouring the cliffs to a small promontory overlooking the falls from the depths of the gorge. Be aware that the route to the bottom of the falls involves crossing loose talus slopes that could easily result in a twisted ankle (or worse). Views can also be had from the West Quartz Creek Trail on the opposite side of the canyon.
|
