Have 2 to 3 hours?

Here are some options to see at least a couple waterfalls:

  1. Maple Ridge Loop

  • Distance: 2.3 miles

  • Configuration: loop

  • Difficulty: moderate

  • Elevation gain: 400 ft

  • Trailhead: South Falls Historic District (flush toilet facilities, parking fee machines, Cafe, Nature Store)

Highlights:

  • Walk behind 2 waterfalls!

  • Clockwise around the loop; descend 187 steps and climb up steep switchbacks on the Maple Ridge Trail

  • Counter-clockwise around the loop; descend the 400 ft down steep switchbacks and regain much of that elevation on stairs

 
 

2. winter falls loop

  • Distance: 5 miles

  • Configuration: loop

  • Difficulty: moderate

  • Elevation gain: 400 ft

  • Trailhead(s):

    • South Falls Historic District

    • Winter Falls Trailhead

highlights:

  • See 7 waterfalls and walk behind 3!

  • See the tallest waterfall (Double Falls: 178ft)

  • Experience how the forest changes as you hike from the mixed conifer forest on the Rim Trail into the Canyon landscape

 
 

3. Winter falls to lower north

  • Distance: 2 miles

  • Configuration: out and back

  • Difficulty: moderate

  • Elevation gain: 200 ft

  • Trailhead: Winter Falls Trailhead (no restroom facilities; very small lot)

highlights:

  • See 5 waterfalls

  • Walk behind 1 waterfall (Middle North)

  • See the only waterfall named for a person - Drake Falls; named after June Drake who was a photographer and the primary advocate for conservation of this canyon

  • Parking fee required