Upper Creek Falls Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Waterfall

Trail may be slick after rain, crossings and traffic may limit runners.

This trail leads from the parking lot to the upper portion of Upper Creek Falls before heading through more forest to the lower crossing. The trail starts with a downhill section through old-growth forest with good overhead cover. This section is steep and can be slippery after rain.

Once you reach the waterfall, use caution, as the trail ends near the upper pour-off. You can either cross the creek here (usually on dry boulders, but when raining use extreme caution as rocks are slippery and there is little to stop yourself should you fall) or continue upstream on a social trail to the Jonas Hole, a popular swimming area with natural rockslides and a rope swing.

Complete the loop by continuing on the lower loop. After crossing the stream, you'll descend quickly through old-growth forest and run toward the upper portion of Upper Creek Falls. Along the way there are viewpoints with excellent views of the falls. Immediately downstream from the lower crossing, you'll find a natural waterslide, which you can tube down or slide down. It's very popular with locals in the summer, so it may be busy on a weekend.

The trail with then ascend along some gently sloping switchbacks through old-growth forest. While there are many social trails used to cut the switchbacks in this area, please avoid using them to mitigate future trail erosion. After approximately 0.5 miles, you'll reach the parking lot.

Rhododenrons, hardwood forest.