Secret Falls Trail

Secret Falls is a large and beautiful waterfall located just a short distance off the trail of the Red Pine Lake hike. Most people have no idea about these falls, hence the name. It really is worth a look, and it is surprising that it has not gotten more attention. The falls stand approximately 40 feet tall, and there are terrace-like steps that allow you to climb around on the rocks when flows are not too high. Getting there requires a small amount of bushwacking on a trail that is slightly overgrown. The distance is minimal and the risk of getting lost is very low since the river acts as a major landmark. Start off on the trail to White Pine Lake from Little Cottonwood Canyon. About a mile up the trail you will reach the fork. As the sign indicates, take the trail heading right that leads to Red Pine. One minute further up the trail you will come to a small bridge. Here is where you take the detour and head up the hill to the left rather than crossing the bridge toward Red Pine. Start up this overgrown trail for just a few hundred yards, then cross the river where the taller rocks sit above the waterline and allow you to step across. On the other side of the river the trail stops. Simply go up the steep hill until you reach the plateau where it levels out. Continue on, keeping the river to your left. In less than a minute you should see the waterfall in the distance. Watch for loose gravel sections and the slippery rocks at the base of the waterfall.