We set out around 9:30am on Saturday morning, and there was not a single other car in the parking lot. The forecast said chance of rain in the afternoon or something similarly doable to any PNW resident. There was apparently a trail race that day and we saw 3-4 trail runners jog by throughout the hike. Otherwise traffic was limited to a couple of backpackers and maybe 1-2 day hiking groups that showed up later.
The hike itself was great! The waterfall viewpoint at 0.5 miles and the bridge at 0.7 mile were both beautiful, and would make a great short hike for those not interested in all 8 miles. Be forewarned though, that short hike would involve a couple hundred feet of elevation, but it's worth it!
There's a toilet at Maple Creek Camp at 1.7 miles. Human waste and toilet paper only, no wipes or garbage!
There is some really nice stonework by a trail crew where a stone wall was constructed at the base of the talus slope - presumably to prevent rockfall from covering the trail .
The trail was nice and shaded, and would probably be great for a sunny day. The riverbed terrain next to the trail with channels formed in the cobblestones, gravel, and sand was also an interesting destination. Thimbleberries, salmonberries, and huckleberries were eaten :) Martha falls at the end had a nice clearing to break at and enjoy lunch before heading back.
Great hike to avoid the crowds. Not as breakthtaking as others, but it still had some nice features and would be a great way to beat the heat.
#hikingthestate
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