Happy Creek Forest Walk

Pros & cons

PROS

True old-growth experience on an ADA-friendly boardwalk
Historic sawmill relics near the falls add a unique twist

CONS

Waterfall can be a mere trickle in late summer
Road noise is noticeable early on the falls spur

PARKING

Small pullout-style parking on the south side of Highway 20 near the Ross Lake Overlook; trailhead has a vault toilet.

CAUTION

Boardwalk is slippery when wet or icy; the falls spur is steep and rocky with small, easy-to-miss signage at the loop’s far end.

Overview

This is a quick, peaceful stroll through genuine old-growth forest on a mostly boardwalk loop—perfect as a leg-stretcher along Highway 20. The accessible loop is just 0.3 miles total and stays close to burbling Happy Creek under deep shade. It’s short, but the atmosphere is rich: towering, moss-draped trees, cool air, and the sound of water.

Route Options

Accessible loop: 0.3-mile total loop on boardwalk, gentle and wheelchair-friendly in good conditions.
Optional spur to Happy Creek Falls: About 2 miles round trip from the far end of the loop (roughly 2.5 miles total including the loop). Expect roughly 600–700 feet of climbing via steep, rocky switchbacks. Some hikers find it tougher than the stats suggest.

What You’ll See

On the loop, you’ll wind through ancient, mossy forest as Happy Creek parallels the southern half of the boardwalk. If you take the spur, the trail climbs away from the creek with occasional peek‑a‑boo views toward Ross Lake and Jack Mountain before entering rougher, rockier tread. Near the base of the falls, keep an eye out for antique sawmill equipment—relics from late‑1800s mining days. The waterfall itself is a set of short cascades in a steep gully.

Best Times to Hike

The loop is enjoyable anytime the road is open, and its deep shade makes it a great mid‑day stop in summer. For the falls, water flow is best in spring/early summer snowmelt and again after fall rains; expect a trickle by late summer. Weekends can fill limited parking quickly—aim for earlier or later in the day.

Know Before You Go

The boardwalk can be slick when wet, snowy, or icy—walk carefully.
The turn for the falls is a small sign at the far end of the loop; don’t miss it if you plan to continue.
The initial climb toward the falls can have noticeable highway noise and some eroded, rocky footing—sturdy shoes help.
Parking is on the south side of SR 20 near the Ross Lake Overlook. A vault toilet is at the trailhead.

Is It Worth It?

The 0.3‑mile loop is a near‑effortless payoff: lush, quiet, and kid‑friendly. The falls spur becomes a legitimate hike—steep and rocky—with historical artifacts and a seasonal waterfall payoff. If you want more miles without the steep grind, consider the nearby Thunder Creek Trail to the suspension bridge for a longer, mostly flat forest walk.