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Sunset Falls is the largest and the final of the three major waterfalls on the South Fork of the Skykomish River. The falls drop 104 vertical feet over a 275 foot long, sloping granite chute. While it’s not terribly obvious at first several potholes in the middle of the falls form large roostertails, or waterwheels, in the bottom half of the falls, which, at high water levels, can shoot over 30 feet into the air. Unfortunately, accessing the falls is not publicly convenient at the moment. The primary access is via US 2, from the State Department of Fish and Wildlife facility at the falls (I believe it’s a fish counting station), but thanks to vandalism, the state has closed access. The alternate access is via a private road on the opposite side of the river, however, I have been recently informed by a landowner in the area that the road maintenance is funded on a voluntary basis, and the community doesn’t have the money to fix the road presently, so public traffic is not desired. Please do not drive to the falls using this access. American Whitewater is working with the state to restore access from the US 2 side of the river, and any attempts to view the falls while the facility is off limits may hinder any progress being made, so please, save this waterfall for another time, when it can be accessed by all in a legal manor.
- SUNSET FALLS is the Official name of this waterfall.
I have been asked to remove directions to the falls using Mount Index Road, which is privately maintained. If you would like to visit the falls, please park at the Lake Serene Trailhead, and walk the road (1 1/2 miles) to the falls (see Bridal Veil Falls for directions to the trailhead).
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