Day Hike - Big Creek Falls & Otter Falls

Trip

Day Hike - Big Creek Falls & Otter Falls

A brisk pre-Thanksgiving walk along a gently-graded logging trail to not one but TWO waterfalls. Rain or shine, we'll include a few brief (3-5 minute) silent stops to take in the sensory explosion of hiking in the fall. Mentored lead trip for Courtenay Schurman (all communication should go to her).

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 9.2 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
  • Pace: 2-2.5
  • 6 (10 capacity)
  • FULL (2 capacity)
  • Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 5:45 AM
  • Thu, Nov 21, 2024 at 3:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
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Head to the hills before Thanksgiving week begins. Looks like a good choice for a possibly damp day. Low elevation should keep us clear of snow - we'll monitor the weather but lean toward proceeding unless conditions worsen dramatically. 

The moderate rating is only due to distance, this hike has a very gentle grade. The first destination will be Big Creek, then depending on party preference, we'll stop at Otter Falls on the way back.

Possible numerous shallow water drainage/crossings, TBD, depending on water flow - be prepared for wet & maybe slippy rocks. Trekking poles and gaiters are advised if you are nervous about footing.

Depending on the weather, we may include a few short "sensory breaks" of silence to appreciate Nature's messages (wind, stream, birds, etc.) and feel mossy trees, etc.

The alternative, if we are unable to reach either of our destinations due to stream crossings turning us back, is Garfield Ledges (2.2 miles / 830 feet) half a mile down the road for a view of the Middle Fork.

Please arrange for yourselves among    Mountaineers Carpooling Practices

Meet at 8:50 a.m. Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead / Taylor River Trail #1002, ready to hike by 9 a.m.

Route/Place

Taylor River



  • Green Trails Mt Si No. 174

    Green Trails Skykomish No. 175

    Green Trails Middle Fork Snoqualmie No. 174SX

    Trails Illustrated Alpine Lakes Wilderness
  • See full route/place details.
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Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  • Navigation
  • Headlamp
  • RAIN protection
  • First aid
  • Knife
  • Fire
  • Shelter
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Extra clothes INCLUDING RAIN GEAR, Gaiters, AND pack cover (optional). Please NO jeans.
  • Trekking poles (optional) for slick, wet rocks.
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