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Cedar Falls is a two-tiered cascade that currently is raging as snowmelt rolls off surrounding peaks.

At this time, there is also an abundance of blooming wildflowers along the route. Bright reds, purples, golds and yellows paint the hillside. Keep a keen eye out for tiger lily, red columbine and common paintbrush.

A word of warning here. Once at the falls, make sure of your footing and don’t press your luck in an attempt to get that perfect picture. Rocky outcroppings hang over the plunge pool. There is nothing but thin air between the top and the bottom.

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Destination: Cedar Falls

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 500 feet

Getting there: State Route 20 to about a half-mile past the Klipchuck Campground, 18 miles west of Winthrop. Turn right on Forest Road 5310-200. After a quarter-mile, turn right on Forest Road 200, Cedar Creek. Continue one mile until the road ends at a gravel pit. The trailhead is located at the far end of the pit.

The Trek: Set out from the gravel pit and hit the trail. The scenery improves almost immediately as the trail climbs through the forest.

The path is double-wide at the beginning. However, as it narrows to single track, there are sections where bushes scrape legs and shoulders.

It’s not far before Goat Peak can be seen in the distance. The mountain is framed by several trees.

Continuing on, the trail climbs and falls as it makes its way along a hillside. Wildflowers dot the landscape in a cavalcade of colors. Also take note of the massive trees found along the route. Incredible pines, complete with a foot of pine needles at their base, are passed. There are also cedars and firs.

After about three-quarters of a mile, water can be heard — but not seen. Raging below is Cedar Creek. The thunderous pounding increases as one continues.

Cedar Creek remains hidden for the vast majority of the hike. Eventually, glimpses of the frothy waters can be seen far below.

It’s also along this section where you must watch your footing. The trail runs along a steep, exposed hillside as the forest gives way to sloping meadows.

It’s easy to become mesmerized while focusing on the raging water below. Just make sure each step is a calculated one.

At a junction, Cedar Falls can be seen through the trees. Proceed left and venture down to the granite bluffs, which provide breathtaking, if not perilous, views of the spectacular falls. While the first tier is now covering you with mist, the second tier is basically hidden from sight. The waters plunge, pool, then disappear into a narrow gorge.

Boulders and trees are littered along the way as the water rushes through the narrow opening.

Many a camera shutter has been pushed from this overlook.

Scramble along the cliffs as much as you dare. The rocks atop make for great places to sit and take in the falls.

Above the falls, the watery route narrows considerably. There are several places that allow for venturing to the cold, clear waters.

After taking it all in, walk back up the hill and proceed back to the rig.

Compiled by Vince Richardson