Waterfall Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A mostly level trail that meanders near the lake shore through a shady forest, eventually reaching a bridge that crosses a creek to the left. After the bridge, take an almost immediate trail junction the the left, following the creek's upstream direction.

At the end is the waterfall (which I've read dries up later in the summer most years) with a wading pool at the bottom, which is quite nice and as safe as such a thing can be—though don't let your watch down with the little ones near water. Nature and local history nerds can read interpretive signs here and there.

Enjoy the lake views for much of the trail. You don't really see the higher mountains to the east on this one, but you'll have many chances for a scenic pull out on the drive through Sly Park Recreation Area on your way to the Hazel Creek Area and Waterfall Trail parking at the end of the road.

Thick pine forests, wildflowers, river and lake users, and I've seen banana slugs on both visits to this area.