Happy Creek Falls Trail

This is the longer walk to Happy Creek Falls: a 2.6-mile out-and-back from the Happy Creek Forest Walk parking area on State Route 20. Allow about two to three hours. Follow the boardwalk through the forest to the falls-trail junction, then continue on a rougher, steeper spur. The separate 0.3-mile boardwalk loop is an easy creekside stop; this row describes the extra climb to the falls.

The first stretch winds under tall trees beside Happy Creek. About halfway around the loop, take the branch for the falls. The tread climbs through open forest above the highway, with occasional glimpses of Ross Lake and Jack Mountain; traffic noise carries along this stretch. A faint boot path from an SR 20 pullout joins around 0.4 mile, so stay on the main tread.

Around 0.9 mile, the grade steepens over mossy rock and shallow, streambed-like sections. It eases again in older forest, then the path draws near the creek and passes old sawmill equipment before reaching the falls. The cascades descend in several short steps through a steep gully rather than dropping as one tall curtain. Flow is generally stronger in spring and late fall; by late summer it can shrink to a trickle.

The payoff comes after a sustained, uneven climb. Published ascent figures differ—570 feet in one detailed route description and 712 feet in the park's day-hiking listing—so treat them as estimates; the steep, rocky stretch is clear either way. Wet or frosty boardwalk and mossy rocks beside the falls can be slippery. The low creek-level view of the cascades and the weathered mill structure makes the best photo; there is no need to scramble around the rocks for a better angle.

Start at the Happy Creek Forest Walk lot near milepost 134. Parking is limited, especially for larger vehicles; accessible parking and a toilet are at the trailhead. State Route 20 usually closes in late November or early December for snow and avalanche hazards and reopens in April or early May, depending on conditions. Pets are not allowed on trails in the national park. If you want only a brief stop, take the separate boardwalk loop and leave the falls spur for another day.