|
Boundary Creek Falls is the second major waterfall encountered along the Owyhigh Lakes Trail when starting from Highway 123 (the first being Deer Creek Falls). The falls consist of a stair step pair of waterfalls, totaling about 40 feet, then another plunge of 10 feet, after the creek passes beneath the footbridge. The lower tier can only be seen by itself, as the upper two tiers are located in a hidden alcove, and can only be seen by rock hopping upstream for 50 feet. At the peak of snowmelt, however, Boundary Creek runs too high to rock hop (without getting wet), so the falls must be viewed from above, by following a short, beaten path to the right of the footbridge. The falls are much more impressive during the early summer, but are well worth a look any time of year.
- BOUNDARY CREEK FALLS is the Unofficial name of this waterfall.
Boundary Creek was named such because the original boundary of Mt. Rainier National Park was situated near the creek. The falls themselves aren't thought to have ever been officially named.
Located near Cayuse Pass, in Mount Rainier National Park. Drive south of Cayuse Pass, along Highway 123, for 6 1/2 miles, to the signed trailhead for the Owyhigh Lakes (parking on the opposite side of the road). Start down the steep trail, passing Deer Creek Falls in 1/3 of a mile. The trail intersects the East Side Trail shortly before crossing Deer Creek and Chinook Creek then reaches another junction 1/2 a mile from the road. Here, keep straight for another 2/3 of a mile to the bridged crossing of Boundary Creek. The lower tier is below the bridge, the upper tiers can be seen by either climbing up a path to the right of the bridge and walking back, or rock hopping upstream.
|
