Near Horsetail Falls
Stream crossings during extremely high water level period. Waterfall flowed down from Peak 8417 and flooded forest.
Near Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls.
Near Horsetail Falls
Flooded forest after significant warm rainfall, below the Cascade Viewpoint and above Highway 50
Near Horsetail Falls
Spring time at the Pyramid Creek, when the waterfalls are in their prime.
Near Horsetail Falls
The view was worth it!

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Horsetail Falls

4.4 (27 Ratings)
A lovely but challenging route to a stunning waterfall that is most impressive in the spring.
3.2
mi
Distance
641
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Family FriendlyRiver/CreekWaterfall

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.16mi
Distance
641ft
Elevation Gain
641ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
6,728ft
High Point
6,119ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Parking for this trail is located at the easy-to-find Pyramid Creek Trailhead. The trailhead can be busy, but there are running water and flush toilets here. A nice way to tackle this route is to start with the well-marked Pyramid Creek Loop Trail, and you'll head towards the creek. Families can stick to this loop and enjoy a mini version of Horsetail Falls along the way, without having to worry about anything too strenuous if you have youngsters who can make the full hike.For the full journey up to the falls, take the Pyramid Creek Trail that branches off towards the Wilderness Boundary. On this section, you'll scramble a bit over granite, and you might feel like you've lost your way at times, but essentially, you'll be headed straight up towards the falls, with the creek on your right. When you get to the falls, it's possible to continue beyond the end of the marked trail, but don't attempt this unless you're a skilled backcountry hiker. It's slippery and potentially quite dangerous towards the top of the falls.Play around for a bit, then continue back the way you came. You can take either route back down when you get to the junction with the Pyramid Creek Loop Trail, as both branches will return you to the trailhead.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Michael Ahnemann