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Coming across little-known waterfalls such as this really underscores the reasons I started hunting waterfalls in the first place. This pretty waterfall lies just 1/3 of a mile from a well used road, yet is virtually unknown. The falls, flanked by a pair of mine adits (which are apparently being actively mined) slides steeply down several granite ledges before plunging 60 feet into a big pile of wood. The falls appear to be dependant heavily on seasonal precipitation, so I wouldn't be surprised if they dry out by the middle of summer. I've named the falls after the adjacent Mohawk Mine, which, as I mentioned earlier, is still in use, so should you find one of the entrances, please respect the owner's privacy, and do not enter the mines or mess around with any items which may be laying around.
- Mohawk Falls is the Proposed name of this waterfall.
I proposed this name in 2002 for the proximity of the falls to the nearby Mohawk Mine.
The falls are accessed from the Miller River Road in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. On US 2, drive 10.5 miles east of the turn off for Index, or 3 miles west of Skykomish, to the Old Cascade Highway, signed for Money Creek Campground. Drive along the Old Cascade Highway for slightly over 1 mile to the signed Miller River Road. Turn right onto the Miller River Road and proceed about 3.3 miles to a dry streambed on the right (1/4 mile before crossing the West Fork Miller River, backtrack if you come to a bridge). Park at the dry streambed, and look for a faint path heading off uphill on the north side of the streambed. You'll notice as you ascend towards the falls that the stream isn't dry at higher elevations, it likely seeps underground near the road. Follow the faint path, watching for flagging where you can, for about 1/3 of a mile, gaining over 200 feet in elevation, to where the falls can be seen and heard through the trees. There are obvious routes to the base of the falls, so keep a close watch at where you're going. You shouldn't have to thrash through any brush.
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