North Fork Union Creek Falls

North Fork Union Creek Falls, also called North Union Falls, is a set of tiered plunges on the North Fork Union Creek east of Chinook Pass, in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The area burned in the Norse Peak Fire. From the Union Creek Trail 956 signboard, take a free wilderness permit from the box. Cross Union Creek on a foot log at 0.2 mile, go left at the unmarked junction and switchback uphill. At 0.25 mile two side trails lead to Union Creek Falls viewpoints. The main trail climbs steeply, then stays near 4,000 feet. Between 1.3 and 1.6 miles, gullies have washed out the trail and it may be impassable. At 2.1 miles the trail reaches the top of the lower cascade, where the fire destroyed the bridge over the North Fork. If you can cross safely (you might have to wade), a side trail upstream leads less than 200 feet to a grotto below the 35-foot upper tier. Return the same way.