Karl went hiking November 2, 2014 9 miles 1,750 feet gained

Frustration Falls

2

Perfect day for an old-growth rainforest hike to a waterfall that hardly anyone knows about, and even fewer have ever seen. After pinching my sciatic nerve, I've been in need of "rehab" hikes that didn't take me quite as far out of reach as I like to get. This was perfect. Two miles through fairly level, ancient, moss-draped forest along the beautiful Salmon River, before we began climbing another two miles or so to some fog-shrouded, hanging-meadow overlooks into the canyon. Then it was a somewhat nerve-wracking scramble almost back down to the bottom again, to a magnificent view of Frustration Falls. Marvelous!

Conditions were superb, considering. Lots of fall colors in the vine- and bigleaf maples, still. Fungus of every sort popping from nearly all surfaces. And the thick forest soaking up or otherwise repelling most of the rain. Great hike! :-)

Trail Talk

2 people have hearted this trip.

Woodswalker · November 4, 2014

Rehab hikes, I sympathize. Hope you feel better soon. Woodswalker

Karl · November 4, 2014

Thanks, WW! You too. You've sure had a long haul, it seems.

The good news, with me, is that the absolute best therapy I've found so far is walking on uneven surfaces! Like a dream "prescription" come true, huh? :-)

Roman · November 5, 2014

Nice pictures, Karl. It's one of my favorite near-town trails, but I never came in time to see fall colors.

Where was that sign in the last picture, near the trailhead or far up trail? I know there are some problems near the road (esp. "the island" just beyond the trailhead is extremely trashed) but beyond 1/3 mile it's almost pristine. I camp up that trail sometimes and back country is gorgeous - it would be unfortunate if they restricted parking to day-use for everyone because of car campers' trash.

Good to see can get some good hiking as part of your recovery.

Karl · November 5, 2014

Thanks, Roman. It really is a gem of a trail in nearly any season or weather. The signs (actually saw two) were both very close to the trailhead. One right in the parking area, and this one pictured just off the road on the downstream side. As of last weekend, neither the outhouse or trashcan were present so I can only assume the NWFP is longer being enforced?

Roman · November 6, 2014

If there's picnic table or even information board, I think they still require NWFP. Simple, not require maintenance, but still a "service". I just put my pass on dash at every NF trailhead since I have it anyway...

Karl · November 6, 2014

Yeah, I tend to just put it out, too. But there are six requirements for the NWFP to be approved at a site:

  • Trash Cans
  • Designated Parking
  • Permanent Toilet Facilities
  • Interpretive Signs, Exhibit, or Kiosk
  • Picnic Tables
  • Reasonable Visitor Protection (Security)

I think they could reasonable argue this TH now has 3 of those in place. And actually, I only saw a single picnic table, although I know there are more ancient rotting ones out in the forest.

Here's an example of the form they have to fill out to add a fee.

Roman · November 7, 2014

Cool, I didn't know all six requirements need to be met. Now that I think about it, some trailheads where I remember restrooms, they always had picnic table there as well. But visitor protection is a bit unusual to see on this list, I think "reasonable" is key word (at least if bad guys know the trailhead is patrolled sometimes, this is a bit of deterrent).

Karl · November 7, 2014

Yeah, I think they must consider the pass patrols to be "reasonable" for that. LOL!