Friendship Falls
RATING - 19.4
VR - 4.0 (Sm/M) HR - 2.0 SR - 16/20
TYPE OF APPROACH - Bushwhack
DIFFICULTY - Difficult
LOCATION - Hearty Creek
TYPE - Cascades
HEIGHT - 27'
WIDTH - 5'
DIRECTIONS - No directions provided. Significant off-trail travel required.
Friendship Falls is the first of eight waterfalls that occur on Hearty Creek after the stream from the lake combines with the northern fork that drains the basin north of the lake. As one progresses downstream, the names of the waterfalls follow the pattern from caring about someone as a person to falling more and more in love, eventually ending in marriage at Bridal Veil. Friendship is the first step towards a lasting relationship so the uppermost waterfall gets that name. The waterfall itself is a pretty cascade that drops 27' into a beautiful pool. Like most of the waterfalls on Hearty Creek, the area is gorgeous and surrounded by lush vegetation. While we were photographing this waterfall, we were absolutely swarmed by mosquitoes. I received a dozen bites on my legs even though I was wearing pants, and every time I tried to take a picture my camera would be covered with the little bloodsuckers.