Sign at the trailhead parking lot
We were here two years ago. That day it had been raining, was cloudy, with mud on the trail and slippery rocks. We saw 11 people and 3 dogs. Franklin Falls is an extremely popular trail especially when there is the promise of a lot of water rushing down the falls. The trail is steep. I did not count, but there are perhaps hundreds of steps. The surface of the trail is packed dirt and gravel with some rocks and roots. This time the weather was mostly sunny with scattered clouds. The temperature was low 50s F. Gusty winds made the wind chill about 45 F. A comfortable temperature for going uphill.
This time we counted 50 people and 1 dog. That includes a couple of families with infants and/or young children. This can be an in and out hike on the main trail, or a loop by taking the Wagon Road back to the trail head about 2.4 miles RT. The large double outhouse at the main parking lot was open. The designated handicapped parking lot below also has an outhouse but one side was still closed for the winter.
South Fork Snoqualmie river
The main trail follows beside the South Fork Snoqualmie River. The pleasant sound of rushing water together with peek-a-boo views continue all the way. There are many rapids and clear pools to admire as you go along. A viewing platform of the lower or little Franklin Falls is found before reaching the main falls.
Lower or Little Franklin Falls
A sample of the steps and part of one of the new bridges
After all the stairs up to that point it was nice to stop and enjoy Little Franklin Falls before continuing on up the rest of the way. After cresting the hill the trail leads down to the main falls. The way down to the small beach at the foot of the falls has rock steps that can be wet and slippery. There is one very narrow section where it is difficult to see if someone is coming up from below and just barely enough room for others to pass by. Once down at the beach, flowing water has to be crossed on rocks and/or a log to get up close to the falls.
Getting closer...
Franklin Falls
This area was logged and is a second growth forest which means most of the current trees are a similar size and there are lots of nurse logs or stumps that have newer trees growing on them. Every once a and while we find a big old growth tree or an interesting one.
Big old growth tree with fancy roots
Junction sign
We elected to take the Wagon Road trail back to the parking area. No steps(!) but a lot more downed trees on Wagon Road trail than were on the main trail. Also, a couple of places to go under, around, or over. All along the entire loop there were trillium blooming.
Going under a downed tree...
and around another one
Trail crews have been busy putting in new foot bridges over marshy areas or running water since the last time we were here.
A small variety of wildflowers were in bloom.
Skunk Cabbage
Salmon berry
Yellow Stream Violet
Trillium
Marsh Marigold
Bleeding Heart
Count for the day:
50 people, includes babies and young children, 1 dog
2.4 miles approximately RT
400 ft elevation gain
Forest Service Pass required
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