Earlier this year while taking a break in Newhalem after hiking to Maple/Heather Pass, we met some friendly hikers who had just done this hike to see the falls on Sourdough Creek (some call it Buster Brown Falls). We had never heard of this trail or falls but it sounded interesting. Since they described it as a relatively short hike to a falls we decided to save it for later in the year when it was raining. Today was rainy so we headed to the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (NCELC) which is located across the Diablo Dam bridge from Hwy. 20. The gate closes sometime around 4 or 5 so you can’t get in after then, but you can always get out. The gate will automatically open for exiting vehicles. We parked in the large parking lot just after crossing Sourdough Creek.

The Diablo Lake trail begins here from this parking lot (a nice large sign identifies the trail). Instead of starting on the Diablo Lake trail, we walked through the NCELC and first walked the .2 mile Peninsula trail and .25 mile Deer Creek trail. Both are short, easy, pleasant trails. From there we followed the Sourdough Creek trail which intersects with the Diablo Lake trail. We headed north at the intersection and continued on the Sourdough Creek trail passing a couple of nice shelters. The link below has a real nice map showing the trail options, shelters, overlooks, etc.

The Sourdough Creek trail is wide and pretty easy as it gently ascends to an overlook about 1.5 miles up and about 500 feet elevation gain (according to the sign at the NCELC). No view for us today. From here there are some rock steps and the trail becomes narrower and much steeper. After about 1/4 mile we came to a rushing creek and the trail seemed to end. But we saw no falls so we contemplated trying to cross the creek. As we started looking around we were surprised to look up and see the falls right above us! No need to cross the creek --- just look up and to your right and there it is bursting over the cliff high above.

We returned to the parking lot via the Diablo Lake Trail. Total hiking length was about 3.5 miles.

Ever finding excuses to get to the North Cascades Institute, we managed a short hike to the falls on Sourdough Creek right behind the complex, while also learning about bird nest monitoring. NCI has built many trailside benches and shelters to invite nature observation and contemplation, and I have never taken a class here I haven't loved. Calypso and paintbrush blooming, woodpeckers and grouse drumming.