Upper Trestle Creek Falls Loop Hike

This loop hike on the upstream end of the Brice Creek Trail completely justifies the extra distance you’ll have to drive beyond the West Trailhead access.  It is an ideal way to experience the drainage, for you’ll gain elevation and perspective over the valley before you return back down to the trail that provides the most intimate views of the creek. 

You will also see the beautiful and delicate Upper Trestle Falls, an overhanging falls that pours over the trail and into a soft plunge pool surrounded by old-growth Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar.  From the trailhead you’ll start the steepest climb of the hike, which is really just a few consecutive switchbacks.  The rest of the hike to the falls is a more gradual ascent that moves back into the Trestle Creek drainage.  Summer flows may not be impressive, but the falls and basin are all the more beautiful for their contrast with the dry, hot hike to get there. In winter the falls course with power, and the small creek tumbles out of the basin.

Continuing beyond the falls, the trail works its way out of the drainage, gradually opening up to views of the Brice Creek valley before working back into the woods for a descent to the Brice Creek Trail.  At this junction you’ll turn left and walk upstream.  Soon enough the trail returns to the banks of the creek and you’ll gain tremendous views of the creek’s small falls and pools.  You’ll also rediscover Trestle Creek as it meets up with Brice Creek.  The water and rock features that this confluence has created are particularly remarkable.  Check out the Brice Creek Trail, Champion Creek to Lund Campground hike for more details and photographs of this section of the trail.

Note: The Trestle Creek Trailhead should not be confused with the Champion Creek Trailhead.  The Trestle Creek Trailhead is approximately 25 yards farther up Forest Road 22, and is also on the left.