Cherry Creek Falls: Pretty and Easy

Cherry Creek Falls is a mellow, lowland hike of five-mile (round trip) that is lovely in summer and accessible in the winter when heavy snows close most mountain trails to all but intrepid snowshoers and backcountry skiers.

Recently, we hiked the old logging road that has devolved into a ruburban trail to Cherry Creek Falls. Along the way, we passed the wreckage of rowdier times when the sons and daughters of dairy farmers and loggers went joyriding on back roads.

 I can imagine how on a rainy day the trail might become (in the words of ee cummings) mudluscious.  On the day we walked the path, it was half frozen by a week of cold weather.  The route is flat, but in certain times of the year, a branch of Cherry Creek rises high enough to require a bit of log balancing and rock hopping to cross.

 The trial to the falls forks to the right after fording the creek, but there is no sign posted, so it's easy to miss.  Turn right past the creek.  After a few hundred yards of descent, the trail will first bring you by the crest of the falls.  When we visited, the rush of water was impressive.

A deadfall allows passage across the top for a view of the maelstrom crashing into the pool below.  Best not to cross.  It's slippery on a good day.  In the rain, a broken neck is almost guaranteed.  If you must have a look, you'll realize that you are not at Snoqualmie Falls, but the scene is pretty enough and probably sufficiently treacherous to nearly qualify as sublime.

Recrossing the the log, and a quick jaunt to the left brings you to a small meadow and cool waters at the base of the falls.  In summer, locals claim the swimming hole.  In winter, it a nice place to pause for a picture or a picnic.

Cherry Creek Falls is just a short way beyond the quaint town of Duvall.  Bring a change of shoes, so you can browse the book store in town, or grab a bit to eat.

TO GET THERE:  (compliments of the WTA)

From the junction of SR 203 and Woodinville-Duvall Road in downtown Duvall, head north on SR 203 for about 500 feet, then turn right on NE Cherry Valley Road. Follow this road for 4.3 miles to Mountain View Road, turn left and park immediately at the junction (Cherry Valley Road becomes Kelly Road here and there is a blue gate marking the entrance).