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As the large rivers of the Olympic Peninsula rarely show any form of turbulence at lower elevations, this small waterfall is often sought out by kayakers as excitement before or after running the other rather placid nearby streams. The falls drop over a vertical ledge of weathered sandstone (or some very similar sedimentary rock) into a large pool. There is a good sized pothole on the left of the falls, possibly formed as a plunge hole when the creek is running high. The pool also serves as a decent swimming hole, though the water didn't exactly look inviting. Donkey Creek has a rather small watershed, and I don't know what it will look like in the summer, but expect at least 70% of the flow here to disappear in by the middle of summer. Note - this picture was taken while the creek was well below recommended boating flows.
- Perfection Falls is the Adopted name of this waterfall.
Drive North from Hoquiam for about 25 miles, or South from Lake Quinault about 14 miles, along US 101 to Donkey Creek Road, which is signed for the Wynoochee Lake Recreation Area. Turn onto Donkey Creek Road and proceed 4.8 miles to the bridge over the West Fork Humptulips River, then another 2 1/2 miles, and park. If you reach a bridge over Donkey Creek (unmarked), you've gone too far, and will have to backtrack just under .4 mile. The falls can be seen from the road, but not clearly. Once you locate the falls, find the short, easy path that leads down to the creek at the falls' base in less than 100 feet.
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