Little Mashel Lower Falls

Bud Blancher Trailhead in Eatonville, along the Bud Blancher Trail across the Mashel and Little Mashel rivers, then the Falls Trail to the side trail signed Lower Falls

WTA gives 1.8 miles from the Bud Blancher Trailhead to the side trail signed Lower Falls, and calls the side trail a 0.4-mile round trip down to the water's edge. The Northwest Waterfall Survey gives about 1.3 miles to the Little Mashel River crossing, a third of a mile up the Falls Trail, then a tenth of a mile down steps to this falls.

Wide crushed-rock path, then a dirt trail that climbs about 225 feet, then a muddy, slippery descent with steps and a crib ladder to the water.

Where to start

Bud Blancher Trailhead on Weyerhaeuser Road S in Eatonville: from Highway 161 turn east at the four-way stop at Center Street E, then in about half a mile turn right on Weyerhaeuser Road S; the trailhead is on the right. Starting from Smallwood Park, at the end of 436th Street E off Highway 161, shortens the walk by about a mile.

Timing & water

WTA says both trailheads are open year-round and suggests avoiding peak runoff, when spray is heavy. The river runs much lower in late summer.

Before you go

WTA lists no parking pass or entry fee.