Comet Falls

From the parking lot, elevation 3,650 feet, start out on the smooth, wide trail flanked by trees, young and old. In 0.3 mile, encounter a stout bridge over Van Trump Creek. From the center of the bridge, you can look downstream and catch a glimpse of the roadway (and possibly other sightseers) below Christine Falls. Look upstream at white water churning through a rocky channel. There’s more ahead.

The trail continues along Van Trump Creek, often within sight of it, and never out of earshot. After a half mile from the trailhead, the trail begins to alternate between forest and openings, as it passes below talus slopes and an andesite formation. Van Trump Creek is wider here and not so turbulent.

At 1.2 miles, the trail scales a rock face on a crib ladder. This safe passage was constructed by WTA and other trail crews after a slide forced a trail closure in 2012.

Continue 0.4 mile to where you meet a tributary coming from the right. A sign reads "Comet Falls 200 feet." This refers to the first clear view of the namesake falls, but the real attraction at this point is the tributary, East Fork Van Trump Creek, which roars into view in a three-tiered plunge totaling 124 feet: Bloucher Falls. Arrive early on a sunny day to see a circling mist sparkling in the sunlight. These falls can be quite pretty, well worth a stop for photos.

Cross the East Fork on a footlog, then go left below the bank until you find the trail again. Very soon, Comet Falls comes into view between the trees. For a closer look, hike the final 0.2 mile, past evidence of major wind damage in the form of snapped-off trees, then up a few steep switchbacks to an obvious transition at a junction. The trail to the right continues steeply up to Van Trump Park, but an obvious boot path to the left provides a way for those who want to be closer to the plunge pool. But beware: Not only can swirling winds cause the spray to drench you, but rockfall from above is a very real hazard.