AN|AL on the TRAIL: Otter Falls

July 21, 2019

I love this hike. It's easy to get to thanks to the pristinely paved Middle Fork Rd, there's plenty of parking, and it seems to be one of the less popular ones off this road so you'll avoid crowds (one of the reasons I refuse to do Mailbox Peak). It's a perfect hike on a hot, sunny day because it's an easy 12 mile stroll through a shaded secondary forest which probably makes it good on a drizzly day, too. There was plenty of parking at 8:30 am on a sunny Sunday in July. Even more surprising was how empty the lot was when we returned at noon. A NW Forest pass is required for parking. Toilets are available in the lot.

A perfect summer Sunday in the NW

We did this hike with Toby last year and decided to revisit it with Mario this year. Boy, did they have a great time. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation gain except for the quick jaunt up the hill to get to the falls. Several creek crossings offer the perfect spot for pups to take a water break and cool off their paws. Turn off to the falls is marked by a large cairn as well as rocks arranged like an arrow on the ground.

Mario's nimble at creek crossings

With Toby leading, we unknowingly hauled ass. It took us 90 minutes to hike 6 miles to our destination. I mean, it helped that Mario was pulling me most of the way. We had the whole lake beach to ourselves with the exception of one small day group way on the other side and another pair tearing down camp at the top of the hill. The bugs weren't bad at all. After a 25 minute lunch break we headed back which took another 90 minutes. I'd say 3 hours for a 12 miler is pretty good considering we weren't rushing at all. Well, maybe Toby was. Overall we only saw a handful of groups on the trail.