Parish Hikes

   

Hike #17: Snoquera Falls Hike

The Snoquera Fall hike is a short one – less than four miles round trip! But if done early enough in the season when the falls is still "falling", the hike is very rewarding. The trail is also quite good.

The trailhead is 37 miles from church on Highway 410, heading toward Crystal Mountain and Mt. Rainier. Do not take 410 west or you will end up in Tacoma! Once you pass the Dalles Campground, look for the big sign on the left announcing Camp Sheppard Boy Scout Organization Camp. Camp Sheppard is about 2.5 miles past Dalles Campground. Turn in at Camp Sheppard and park in the paved lot immediately to your right. Clean toilets are available.

Keep to the left
The trail has a few confusing branches within the first half-mile. The first fork in the road, so to speak is just when the trail passes by the primitive campfire circle for the scout camp. The right hand branch crosses a bridge. The left fork crosses over a culvert that has been buried under the trail. The culvert carries a water flow in the spring time. Take the left branch over the culvert!

For those who decide that they can only walk this far that is quite okay. So you have only hiked a few short blocks. Only going to the fork in the trail at the rustic campfire circle is worth the effort. Hikers can consider this as the "first turn around." Sit amongst the cathedral tall trees and enjoy an early picnic after a few moments of communing with nature.

A block or so farther (as if there were city blocks in the forest) the trails makes a second branch. Take the left hand fork once again. The right hand branch has a sign that says something about a loop trail. But, for our purposes, ignore that trail as well.

Do not rush as the trail gains constant elevation. The trees need to be admired. Bird song should be enjoyed. Savor the filtered sunlight. Rejoice over the thick carpet of needles that softens the path underfoot.

The ultimate destination is a small opening in the forest at the base of Snoquera Falls. If there is any water left flowing, the effect should be that of a gossamer bridal veil. A small stream may add a bit of watery music to parish hikers who enjoy lunch at this termination point.

Several "way trails" branch out from this final turn around place but they are meant for experienced hikers only. Parents with children should not allow their children to clamber the mossy, possibly slippery large rocks that lead up to the base of the falls. Sit and rest. Take in the view across the narrow canyon that Highway 410 winds its way through. Photograph the tall cliffs that form a sheer wall high above us.

Snoquera Falls with tons of water is spectacular. Snoquera Falls without water is a contemplative sanctuary.

Like many of the parish hikes, the Snoquera Falls hike is a fee hike. The hike leader will have extra passes available for purchase. This means, however, that hikers need to be at the trailhead in time!