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High up in the basin of the West Fork of the Foss River in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the outlets of three major lakes all spill into secluded Delta Lake, when then produces the aforementioned river from its outlet. Each of these three streams feeding into Delta Lake produces a significant waterfall and this phenomena is largely responsible for the Foss River basin having one of the highest concentration of high-quality waterfalls in Washington State.
Angeline Lake is the central and highest elevation of the three tributary river sources, itself fed by the outflow from Chetwoot and Azure Lakes as well. The outlet of Angeline Lake is subterranean, the surface outlet channel being blocked by a large landslide. The water exiting the lake percolates through the landslide and emerges to the surface about 1,000 feet downstream from the lake. Almost immediately upon returning to the surface, the stream begins cascading steeply down the hillside and quickly reaches cliffs which line the south side of the Delta Lake basin where it spreads out to 80-100 feet in width and pitches nearly vertically, hurtling 424 feet to the talus slopes below as one of Washington State's most impressive waterfalls. At the base of the falls the stream cascades for a short distance before again being absorbed into the rocky slope and receding entirely underground again, only to emerge once and for all 600 vertical feet further down at the south end of Delta Lake.
Angeline Falls is large enough that it is easily visible from many accessible locations throughout the Foss River basin, but most prominently from most of the eastern shore of Delta Lake, as well as from the high-point along the West Fork Foss Lakes trail between Little Heart and Big Heart Lakes as well as from most of the summits in the immediate area. On a clear day with good visibility it may even be visible from Beckler Peak on the north side of Highway 2, over 10 miles away. The falls can be seen in tandem with neighboring Big Heart Falls from halfway down the east shore of Delta Lake to the point where the outlet stream from Otter Lake enters Delta Lake (further along the east shore too, but the trail turns away from Delta Lake at this point).
- Angeline Falls is the Adopted name of this waterfall.
Angeline Falls is found in the Foss River valley off Highway 2 near Skykomish. Take Highway 2 east from Skykomish to the Skykomish Ranger Station, then continue another half-mile and turn right onto the Foss River Road. Follow the road for 4 1/2 miles and turn left where the main road continues straight, following signs for the West Fork Foss Trail, then proceed to its end at the trailhead in another 2 miles. Set out on West Fork Foss Trail #1062, which parallels the Foss River for about three-quarters of a mile to a new bridge spanning the river below some pretty cascades, then climbs for another three quarters of a mile to Trout Lake.
Continue for another half mile past Trout Lake to where the trail intersects the booming stream. A path leads down to the creek, looking upstream at a small cascade. The top of Middle Copper Falls lies immediately downstream. Look for a fairly well trodden boot path which leads steeply downstream along Middle Copper Falls and then Lower Copper Falls to a ford point. During high water the creek can be deep and swift so crossing on a log may be the safer route. On the south side of Copper Creek look for pink flagging leading to the continuation of the trail, which heads up the West Fork to Delta Lake and beyond. The trail which winds in and out of interchanging thickets of brush and groves of forest for another two-thirds of a mile before reaching the base Lower Foss River Falls.
From here it begins climbing steeply up the headwall. After leveling out and navigating around dozens of large mossy boulders, it begins climbing again - this time along side Upper Foss River Falls. The outlet of Delta Lake is reached about 1.3 miles after leaving the West Fork Foss Lakes trail. Cross the river on the logjam and observe Angeline Falls at the far end of the lake. Closer views are had by crossing (wading may be necessary) the second outlet of the lake and traversing clockwise around the east shore of the lake (the trail beyond the outlet of the lake is considerably brushier and in some areas potentially dangerous). Total distance from the trailhead to the best views of the falls via this route is a little over 4 miles.
Angeline Falls can also be seen from the West Fork Foss Lakes trail a little over half a mile before reaching the outlet of Big Heart Lake - this is entirely via a maintained trail but is a longer hike and involves much more elevation gain. Either route involves considerable effort.
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