On your way up Hwy 214, you'll find a South viewpoint at mile marker 23. It doesn't compare to the waterfall view you're about to experience {even less so since they did a bit of tree clearing in the area}, but we usually make a quick stop for a few pictures at the rock wall. The South Falls day use area is only another 2 miles up the road at mile marker 25. Parking is $5, but if you frequent state parks, like we do, I suggest stopping by the ranger station or nature store to pick up the 1yr pass for $30 or 2yr pass for $50. On a day like today, you'll have no trouble finding a parking spot. There were only a handful of cars in the parking lot. In the summer months, you'd better get there early, or head for a different trail head because the large parking lot will be jam packed. During that time of the year, we prefer to avoid the South Falls area, especially on the weekends.
Since today was a cold winter weekday, we lucked out. One of the reasons for this trail head's popularity is that it is the starting point for the Canyon Trail, Maple Ridge Trail, and Rim Trail. We chose to venture out on the 2.6 mile Maple Ridge Trail.
On your way to the spectacular 177ft South Falls, there will be a small trail off to the right that will take you only about 50 meters uphill to the trickling Frenchie Falls viewpoint. After backtracking to the main trail, you'll make your way behind the South Falls. This is always the most exciting part for the kids. You get a little wet from the mist floating off the waterfall, but nothing too extreme. Just don't forget to tuck away your camera. While you're back there, you'll also find several mini caverns to duck into, and rocky walls to climb up. Once you come out the other side, you can turn this into a short hike for younger children by crossing a bridge that brings you back up to the trail head for a small half mile hike. Be aware that although this is one of the most well maintained loops in the park {in fact, they were doing a lot of work while we were there- the downside to hiking in the winter}, it still has steep drop offs on one side. It is not a trail where little ones can go scampering off unattended.
If you opt for the longer Maple Ridge hike, you continue straight instead of following the bridge across the creek. There are a number of tangents off the trail that my kids and myself often choose to explore. After finishing our exploration of one, and returning back to the main trail, two of my kids both simultaneously exclaimed, "that was awesome!" I agreed. There are rocky streams to cross, islands to discover, animal houses to investigate, large rocks to climb, not to mention all of the plants, animals, and insects you might find.
One of our favorite things to find are fallen trees. As sad as it is to see a beautiful old fallen tree, they create wonderful new ways to explore. One tree lay along an incline that allowed them something to hold onto while they trekked up the muddy embankment. Another lay across the entire creek, creating a natural bridge. My son Rogue is the daredevil of our family, and immediately jumped up and walked across the tree {I insisted on walking close behind him}. If your child is adventurous enough, and you're willing to allow it, it's a pretty cool thing to do. It is a wide tree that makes the walk across fairly safe, as long as they take it slow.
Eventually, we reached the switchback stairs leading us down the the 93 ft Lower South Falls. This one is even more amazing to walk behind, because of how wide the waterfall is. It is also made a little safer than the South Falls by the 3ft high stone wall protecting you from the drop off.
This is where the trail gets a little tricky, and earned the moderate rating for children. There is a steep uphill switchback section of the trail that lasts for almost 1/2 mile. It really depends on not just the age, but also the demeanor of the child to determine whether they can handle this section. My oldest, who is 10, started complaining about a quarter of the way into it, while my youngest, who is 6, marched right up it without a word {but insisted in breaking at the top for more snacks- she's also my big eater}. We hiked this trail about 2 years ago without knowing anything about it, and had to piggyback a couple of kids up this part. It was still worth it in my opinion. The rest of the hike is simple and the whole thing is gloriously secluded. On your return to the trail head, you'll duck under some low branches, leap a small stream or two, cross a bridge over the top of Frenchie Falls, and finish right back where you started.
If you visit early enough in the day, you can also visit the nature store and lodge which you walk right past on your way back to your car. Both are worth the time to take a peek at. The store is full of little treasures, and the lodge contains a detailed history of the park {which used to be a small town}.
This always has been and always will be one of my favorite and most beautiful parks to visit.
Total Distance: 2.6 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Trail Appearance: Well maintained, packed & nature covered gravel
Trail Elevation: Several rises & falls, stairs, 1/2 mile steep incline
Atmosphere: Birds chirping, water roaring
View: Trees, creek, waterfalls
Extras: Walk behind waterfalls
Difficulty: Moderate
My Rating: ****
Kid Ratings: ***; ****; ***
