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Marsh Creek thunders into the Sultan River Canyon in a fury of spray, mist, and noise before cascading down another 75 feet to the river. Though views are somewhat limited from the road, kayakers and those who don't mind getting down and dirty will be rewarded with much better views. Please make note, the access to this waterfall in on land owned by Snohomish County PUD. Lake Chaplan Road is gated from 6pm to 6am daily. Also, note that the road leading from Chaplan Creek to the falls is gated, and motor vehicles caught inside the gate are impounded.
- Marsh Creek Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall.
The only place to see the falls in a completely unobstructed manor is from the bottom of the falls, access to which would cross private land. Viewing the falls across the gorge of the Sultan River will yield an obstructed view no matter where you are. A lens of at least 60mm is necessary for a good, full frame shot.
From Sultan, turn north on Old Owen Rd, and drive about 1/2 mile, then turn left on Reiner Road. Drive approximately 3.2 miles and make a sharp right at the top of the hill onto Lake Chaplan Road. You will see the sign stating that the road is gated 6pm to 6am. Drive about 2 3/4 miles to a gated road on the right hand side. If you begin to pass wetlands, you've gone too far (and will realize that if you go 1/2 mile too far to the road's end). Park and Start walking down the gated road. The road forks twice, stay left at the first and right at the second (not going up the steep hill). About 8/10 mile from the gate, keep your etrue peeled for the falls across the canyon, which is now evident. There is a mediocre view from the road, but better views are had by shimmying down the slopes to a natural bench between the road and the river (note that climbing back up from this bench can be very difficult without a rope or a second person). If you have a rope and the time, it may be possible to reach the river near the falls, but I strongly recommend against it.
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