We were going to hike this trail partway to Marten Creek falls, but halfway down to the trail head we found a road closed sign. A call to the forest ranger (425-888-1421) was made and were were told that the road is closed just before the Taylor River Bridge and that 4 wheel drive and high clearance vehicles were needed to get even this far. There are MAJOR potholes to be fixed as well as the bridge.

Made my way out here yesterday to see how the trail was looking. The road is out about five miles from the trail head. The hike in isnt that bad but the river has crossed the road at one point. Its easy to cross just need to take a little time. Once you get to the bridge that is out you can cross it via a log. once your passed the bridge its smooth sailing.

Tried to hike this trail today after reading about it on WTA. Unfortunately the road is closed at least 5 miles ahead of the trailhead.

Confined to the flat stuff with a gimpy, but finally improving, knee I took a cue from Tony and went off chasing waterfalls. Water was already falling from the sky anyway so why not make a theme of it.

First up was Franklin Falls. I only wanted to get a few photos so I took the lazy/cheater trailhead parking near the uppermost switchback in the road. I was at the falls in 10 minutes. It was raining pretty steadily and the falls were roaring, making for a very misty experience. I dont think I managed a single shot without many droplets on my lens. As I was packing my camera away, umbrella balanced over my shoulder, a little gust of wind kicked up and before I could grab it the umbrella skipped away into the raging creek. It floated upside down for a second then sunk like a ship. There was no way I could grab it without risk of falling in. Another few seconds and it was gone, swept away. Hopefully it does a good job keeping some fish dry.

I made a side trip up to the gas station at the pass for a new one only to find they dont sell umbrellas. It was mostly a steady drizzle now, not heavy rain, but it meant my SLR would likely stay in the backpack and no macro shots this time. I drove back down the road again to my second destination, Keekwulee falls. I'd planned to stop at Fall-Into-The-Wall Falls too but forgot to write down the directions. I wandered in the drizzle up the trail, crossed the slippery slabs on the slippery bridge, and found my way up to Keekwulee falls which was going at a near spring flow. I took a photo then headed back down to my final stop, Otter Falls.

I stopped at the gas station mini mart near the truck town and was again surprised they dont sell umbrellas either. The BBQ smelled really tasty though. I left that for later and drove up the Middle Fork road. The King County section is in pretty bad shape, tons of pot holes and standing water. Glad I didn't wash my Outback after last weeks mud adventure. Happily the Forest Service half is in great shape, almost no potholes! I stopped for a quick photo of the bridge at the Middle Fork trailhead and continued on to the Taylor River.

I hadn't hike this one for a few years. Just as rocky and slick as I remembered it. With the camera confined to my backpack I made good time. I paused for some long exposures of Marten Creek since the rain had let up, then continued on to Otter Falls. Someone had helpfully written "cairns" in big block letters on the jumbo cairn that marks the falls trail. There was also a sign for the falls, new since my last visit. Otter Falls was nice as always though Lipsy is a much prettier lake when not surrounded by late fall decay. I took a few photos and headed out to beat sunset.

I'd forgotten hot monotonous the walk out on this one is. Even though it only took an hour and a half it seemed to stretch forever. I was happy to be back at the car. As I walked up two guys had just finished changing a flat in their SUV. I changed into dry socks and started the drive out. Slow going and a real adventure trying to spot the deep potholes in the dark. Halfway out I passed another victim with a completely blow out tire. Take it easy out there everyone!

Trip photos here: http://www.pbase.com/billcat/otterfalls