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I accidentally stumbled onto this waterfall while stopped at Lake Sylvia State Park en route to the coast. First off, this park is an excellent rest stop for anyone on their way to the Washington Beaches (or anywhere else west of Montesano). Lake Sylvia is formed by a small 20 foot dam situated about 100 feet upstream of the top of this pretty waterfall. Because Sylvia Creek has a small watershed, the flow of the falls fluctuates dramatically. During the wet season, the falls may be roaring, and in the late summer, just a thin stream may glide down one side of the rock (the left-hand segment usually runs dry after June). When visiting the falls in February of 2000, the informal route to the base of the falls was destroyed. Visiting the falls again in February of 2002, the path is still in sad shape, but can be followed if careful. However, if it has rained recently, I recommend against viewing the falls from the bottom. The path is very crumbly and when wet is nothing but a treacherously slick mud-chute. However, if you can manage to safely view the falls from the base, it's that much more impressive.
- Sylvia Creek Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall.
Drive to Montesano along Highway 12, and follow the signs through town to Lake Sylvia State Park in about 2 miles. Drive to the parking area on the far side of the lake, by the playground. Walk past the playground, cross the dam and proceed up the small hill and downstream to views of Sylvia Creek sliding down a bulging rock face. From this viewpoint, it is almost impossible to see the falls if the water level is low (trees get in the way when in leaf). If this is the case, go back across the dam, and follow the trail downstream a short distance to a numbered wooden marker. Carefully make your way down the slope to the creek and the base of the falls (again, only when dry, and only if you are comfortable doing so).
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