Otter Falls, Lipsy Lake, and Big Creek Falls
Follow this route down a former logging road to reach hidden lakes and waterfalls.
Total Distance: 10.0 miles
Total Ascent: 600ft
Highest Point: 1700ft
Total Ascent: 600ft
Highest Point: 1700ft
To get there, take Exit 34 off I-90 and take a left on 468th Ave. Follow the road past the truck stop for about a half-mile until you reach SE Middle Fork Road, also known as Forest Road 56. Turn right onto the Middle Fork Road and follow the twists in the road until the pavement runs out. Continue on FR 56 for 12 miles, crossing the Taylor River. Once across, keep to the left for another quarter mile to the end of the road and the trailhead. View Google Directions >>
From the parking area, cross the bridge and keep to the right at the Y in the trail. After three leisurely miles, you’ll hit Marten Creek and what is known as Martin Falls.
Pushing past, Otter Creek is a little over a mile up the trail. Keep an eye for the “Otter Falls” sign, or for a cairn letting you know to head up. There isn’t much of a formal trail, it’s a short uphill battle to get to the falls, so just chose the path of least resistance. There's a lot more to Otter and Big Creek Falls, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
Pushing past, Otter Creek is a little over a mile up the trail. Keep an eye for the “Otter Falls” sign, or for a cairn letting you know to head up. There isn’t much of a formal trail, it’s a short uphill battle to get to the falls, so just chose the path of least resistance. There's a lot more to Otter and Big Creek Falls, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
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