Wynoochee Valley Road - The Waterfall Road
The road was finally open!
Earlier this year we found an awesome forest service road that led us to an awesome waterfall and wonderful displays of moss and ferns. We found though that most of the road was closed for the season and were looking forward to returning when it was open. Finally, it was open, and we made the return.
What we found was amazing! A beautiful lake, 4 waterfalls, and several streams surrounded by bright green moss.
The first stop was by the lake. We found a turnoff that ended at a boat launch perfect for kayaks, or canoes. The lake was still and glassy. A perfect reflection shining back at us.
We drove past several beautiful streams, past the trailhead for Maidenhair Falls (we saw that one last time), and continued to Noname Falls.
Noname Falls was right by the side of the road. No hiking required. I’m told that this waterfall nearly disappears in the late summer, but as we were looking at it in May, it was gorgeous.
Noname Falls is a little less than a mile from where the gate was closed near Maidenhair Falls. (See post from March 11) It’s very walkable if you want to combine it with Maidenhair Falls before April 30 when the gate is opened.
The next stop was Wynoochee Falls. There’s a small parking area and a short trail that takes you down to the Wynoochee river and a view of the falls. For this one we got a little wet. There was a sand bar in the middle that we waded out to get a closer look. I think this would be a great place to play in the water in the summer.
We were driving on to the next waterfall when we saw this beautiful stream and had to stop. It really was more than a stream, but less than a river. Like other streams and waterfalls, it probably doesn’t look like much in the late summer, but in the spring surrounded by green moss it was stunning.
Next we continued on to Clark Creek Falls. This is another waterfall that is right by the side of the road. No hiking required. So of course, we got out and took lots of pictures.
There was possibly another waterfall up ahead. The directions were a little fuzzy and it was possibly off the road a bit. We thought we’d try and find it but after a bit of driving uphill the road was covered in snow. I guess there will be more to come back and explore.
On to the next adventure!
Travel Tip: The Wynoochee Valley Road is an unpaved Forest Service Road. It’s in good condition and doesn’t require 4-wheel drive. Most vehicles will work fine, but I don’t recommend using a vehicle that is very low to the ground.