As I approached the falls, I didn't hear the thundering sound of falling water. I wondered. “Has Elvis left the building?” I thought I might be too late, and I almost was. By the time I reached the upper tier, there was still water flowing, but a mere trickle compared to what had been a torrent, a massive and furious cascade earlier in the year. The upper falls plunge into an intimate amphitheater of scattered granite boulders and weathered deadfall. The site is visually arresting, magical in its disheveled wild beauty, even when the big show is mostly over. I was glad to be there and vowed to come again, at least a month earlier next year.

The trail up to the switchbacks is broad and well groomed, providing an easy woodland walk. As soon as the switchbacks begin, the trail transforms into a narrow, rocky path that climbs more steeply. In some sections, it presents as a talus trail. In the upper switchbacks, it is easy to mistake the old boot path as part of the trail. If the terrain gets steep and loose, you are off-trail. Well-constructed switchbacks lead all the way to the falls. Today, the early switchbacks in rocky sections were flanked by vigorous pockets of foxglove. And many other wildflowers were still present along most sections of the trail.

Instead of taking the Teneriffe Falls Trail out and back, I took the new connector on my descent, making a lollipop loop with the Mount Teneriffe Trail back to the Teneriffe Falls trail junction and then back to the trailhead. The loop adds some distance and more interest as the Mount Teneriffe Trail crosses several bridges and small streams.

Since it is challenging to convey the falls site with a single camera image, I took two spherical panoramic images at the falls, one from the creek bed and another at a nearby overlook. This place is made for a spherical panorama. Though the site is shrouded from direct light by towering trees, the images still capture the drama of the site. Note the two hikers in the second 360 as they effectively convey the scale of the place. I have posted links to my two spherical panoramas below. I encourage you to check them out to see the dimensions of the place. For the most immersive viewing, open to full screen and scroll around and up and down.

Parking: The new lot is gated. I arrived about 6:50 am and waited until the gatekeeper arrived at 7:10 am, apologized for being a bit late, and unlocked the heavy metal pipe gate. Three vehicles pulled in. When I returned just before noon, I counted only 16 cars in the 118-car lot. I guess everyone heads to Mailbox Peak. And that’s okay.

From the ‘Department of Thoughtless People’

Infraction 1: All at the upper falls. Crumpled Coke can by streambed log. A banana peel was displayed dead center on a large log fallen across the streambed. A fragment of Mylar snack packaging in the streambed rocks. Do you think your trash enhances the wilderness experience of others? Well, no, it does not. If I can pack out your lunch debris, so can you!

Infraction 2: Numerous crosscuts of upper trail switchbacks. C’mon, folks, are you really in such a hurry that you think nothing of destroying the trailside environment by cutting switchbacks? Leave No Trace.

Infraction 3: As I was descending, a guy suddenly appeared riding a clunky electric bike/motorcycle with large knobby tires up the Teneriffe Falls Trail. Gee, there are signs everywhere clearly stating that the only activity allowed on the trails is hiking. He passed me so fast I did not have time to tackle him, wrestle him to the ground, and give a piece of my mind. Just kidding. But I did not like it and would hate to see more.

Seven Breakfasteers started off from the trailhead parking lot, which was empty at 7:30 AM. Though the weather forecast was for some showers, we ended up with a perfect hiking day with cool temperatures, overcast skies, and no precipitation. 

We've switched over from the original trail to the new Teneriffe trail and cut over to the falls where the trail splits. It's not as rocky except for a short section just before you reach your destination and our ankles are getting older. 

This time of year the water flow is slowing, but it's still a beautiful sight and that sound of rushing water can't be beat. Lots of wildflowers along the way and some salmon berries that need another week or so to ripen. 

This is a wonderful, relatively short hike with moderate elevation gain. Great for a quick workout with a very cool reward at the end of the trail.

Clear and cool. Waterfall flow is greater after the weekend rain compared to the previous week. Trail is in great condition. Minimal crowds.

A cloudy day doesn't deter PNW hikers!  Arrived at maybe 8:15 and the parking lot was half full, definitely full when I got back down noonish.  The bathrooms are closed so they have portapotties, and for those taking late afternoon hikes, they lock the gate to the parking lot at 8pm.

It was my first time here - lovely hike, tons of flowers and the falls are gorgeous.  After the first mile or two the trail is super rocky and steeper than I expected.  Lots of switchbacks!  Just a reminder to me that I should get more cardio during the week so I'm not wiped out on weekend hikes ;-)  I broke out the poles for the way down (and for the crossing of the falls), didn't need them on the way up. 

A great way to spend a June morning!

Four of us took my dog to Teneriffe Falls on a foggy Sunday morning along with half of Seattle. The lot was 3/4 full at 8:40 when we started up and full at noon when we returned. Our route took us up the usual route to Teneriffe Falls and down the Connector for better footing. I LOVE that newly built trail that bypasses most of the worst rocks.

Be aware that when Portapotties are serviced on Saturday there will usually NOT BE TP on Sunday. This trailhead is being loved and visited by many; bring your own or plan to go without. Fortunately, despite the number of dogs we saw, I found ZERO poop bags or offending trash bits to carry down. Well done, hikers.

The foxgloves are out in force, along with a few slugs; we only heard 11 bird species, perhaps due to the number of people using the trails or our own steady stream of conversation. The only people who weren't as courteous about sharing the trail with everyone were a handful of trail runners.

Such lovely dogs, all well-behaved and all on leash. Getting off the trail to let upward-bound hikers have the right-of-way can be a challenge in spots, but for the most part the trail is in wonderful shape.

All in all, we had great conversation and a fun-filled hike with old friends, made atmospheric with the fog and dew droplets. While a few ferns looked brown and dried out, the recent rains have re-invigorated the mosses. We SO needed the precipitation.