Trip Report
Taylor River - Big Creek Falls, Otter Falls
We had a successful visit to two raging falls five days after a bomb cyclone cut power to 600,000 homes across the PNW. Five of us enjoyed a much-welcome break in the weather and great conversation for a mentored lead hike for Courtenay Schurman.
Courtenay Schurman
- Sat, Nov 23, 2024
- Taylor River
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road rough but passable
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There is one short stretch of road between Garfield Ledges and the Taylor River trailhead that is deeply rutted with potholes filled with water, but a decent clearance vehicle should have no problems if you drive slowly.
Following Tuesday's bomb cyclone, we didn't know what to expect in terms of downed trees and stream crossings. As of Saturday 11/23, the Taylor River/Middle Fork road has mostly been cleared of obstructions, although it's evident where chainsaws have removed any big downed branches and trees (there were plenty). Thanks to whoever spent hours making all those trails accessible.
The hiking trail to Big Creek Falls has no obstacles other than branches and mud in a few places. Even the stream crossings following so much recent rainfall were not too bad. A recent trip report reported turning around at the final stream crossing before Otter Falls but my group of 5 women had no problems navigating safely.
Five of us set out at 9:10 and returned to the cars at 2. We saw about 15 people all day, along with 2 dogs. The only bird species we heard was golden-crowned kinglets. Quite a few different types of fungus and mushrooms provided good photo ops.
Both falls are raging. We enjoyed a 20-minute lunch at Lipsy Lake under the cover of woods and left bundled in gloves, hats, and warm layers.
I'd highly recommend gaiters, waterproof boots, and trekking poles. All five women in our group did fine, with no slips or falls despite numerous stream crossings. The last one before Otter Falls is the most challenging, but if you take your time to scout the route and pick your stepping stones, you should have no problem. Not for anyone nervous about water crossings, but we thought it would be much more involved than it was.