What a great weekend to chase waterfalls! We took advantage of the recent rains and snow melt and set out to hike to Cooper Canyon Falls. From Cloudburst Summit we picked up the PCT. This hike is an “upside down” hike so you gain all your elevation on the way back. The trail starts off by dropping you down into the canyon and takes you through the Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness. The views are quite lovely as you make your way around Winston Peak. Eventually, you’ll reach Cooper Canyon Trail Camp. We hiked past the camp and continued on the PCT to the junction with the Burkhart Trail (another really pretty trail and actually a shorter route to the falls.) From here you have to keep your eyes peeled and find one of the use trails that will take you down to the bottom of the falls. The trails are very steep, but there’s a rope tied to a tree to assist with the final few feet of rock scramble. The waterfall was absolutely beautiful today. When we were here last summer, it was barely a trickle. After we’d gotten our waterfall fix, we found a nice spot in the warm sunshine and had some lunch before heading back.
Getting on the Pacific Crest Trail at Cloudburst Summit.
Heading into the Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness. There are some really beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
As you descend, you'll eventually reach the creek and hike a long it for a while.
Now going up again over the ridge.
Looking down into the canyon.
You have to keep a sharp eye out to find the use trail to get down to the falls. It's umarked and very steep. Trekking poles come in handy here. Take your time and get your footing. There's also a rope tied to a tree to assist in getting down the last few feet.
Beautiful Cooper Canyon Falls.
This is another use trail. We climbed up this one to get out of the canyon. I think it may be a little less steep then the one we climbed down.
This is the top of the falls looking down from the Burkhart Trail.
This is the junction where the Burkhart Trail meets the PCT. The Burkhart Trail back to Burkhart Campground is a really pretty trail as well.
Following the trail along the creek.
Lots of water today.
Heading up.
Back at the trail camp.
Lots of incense cedar on this hike.
Gorgeous views.
One more photo before our final ascent back to Cloudburst Summit.
