Pierce Creek Falls

RATING - 66.0

VR - 8.0 (Big) HR - 6.5 SR - 14/20

TYPE OF APPROACH - Trail

DIFFICULTY - Medium

LOCATION - Ross Lake Area

TYPE - Tiered

HEIGHT - 200'

WIDTH - 30'

DIRECTIONS - Drive east on Highway 20 and park at the Ross Dam Trailhead. Once across the dam, continue along the trail for about 5.5 miles until you reach the bridge over Pierce Creek. Partially views of the upper tier of the falls can be had from either side of the canyon.

Pierce Creek Falls is an absolutely fantastic waterfall that, unfortunately, is all but impossible to see well. The falls begin immediately below the bridge over Pierce Creek with a 120' twisting horsetail. Below this the creek appears to have two more tiers, culminating in a 40ish foot tall plunge. Decent views of the upper tier can be had from either side of the canyon but you'll have to stand at the edge of the 200' deep canyon to get them. It's safe, just a little scary. Climbing down along the edge of the canyon doesn't appear to help because of the number of trees that grow along the sides. It should be possible to make your way along the lake from Big Beaver Creek to the mouth of Pierce Creek and then hop upstream towards the base but I haven't tried that so I don't know for sure if it will go or not. Even with the fleeting views of the upper tier, this is a major attraction along the Ross Dam Trail and one that should not be missed if you're in the area.