My first hiking post! And our first hike of the 2022 season. While getting out quite yet wasn’t totally on my agenda (it’s soccer palooza for the boys right now so are weekends are pretty full), my friend Jenny invited us out with her son sorta last minute and Theron and I went for it.
Original plan was to head up to a spot near Mt Stevens, about a 2 hour drive, but given the beauty of the day that was unfolding and the weather report being overcast and low 40’s for the Stevens area, we switched gears mid-drive and headed out on I-90 instead. Much shorter drive and promise of sun. A win-win.
I threw out the suggestion for Teneriffe Falls knowing it was A. close, B. not too long, about 6 miles, and C. still somewhat challenging with some rough terrain and moderate elevation. Plus the payout was a powerfull waterfall, enough to stimulate young boys to continue onwards. All in all, a perfect intro hike to start the season.
What I didn’t realize was that the parking lot DOES get full! I’ve been to this trailhead multiple times over the past 2 years and not a once has it been full. The lot is HUGE. However…..I’ve never gone on a Saturday morning. I should have known better. Seattle + Saturday mornings = no parking. Always.
Well clearly this story ends with us getting parking, but it was no easy feat. We almost aborted mission. After lots of waiting and loops around we eventually got the bright idea to wait near the trailhead and follow someone back to their car. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Well within minutes it worked! A dad with 3 kids comes rambling out. He looks at us. We look at him. He motions to the left. We pursue. So grateful.
The hike itself is pretty straightforward. The first portion is very level grade with a reasonably wide path. Watch your back for the occasional trail runner. The latter portion is VERY rocky and requires a lot of paying attention to your feet. I do not have the best balance so I have to watch where and how I step. Protect those knees, yo.
Mid-hike there is one section that requires some precarious maneuvering through cascading water. Watch your step and use your poles here if you have them. Personally I’m not a pole person. I am still not convinced of the need. I’ve made it this far without, but not saying I won’t consider them in the future. I seem to muster up the balance when I need it OR use nature’s pole: trees. There are some very kind and helpful trees here you can use through this section for balance. Never be afraid to use your hands!
I’m very thankful Theron did not fall here. He pretty much falls at some point on every hike, but it wasn’t here. Wet socks are the worst and make for very grumpy children. It can also be dangerous. Soren once sunk into water after taking off his snowshoes to play around a lake (after I repeatedly told him to stay away from said water) and soaked both his feet. That’s a whole other story. Point is, avoid getting wet.
You know what Theron also did not do on this hike? He didn’t cry. This is about the 3rd hike now in which he hasn’t cried at some point. Often it’s due to low blood sugar or sometimes the inevitable fall, but he’s on a streak now. He’s becoming quite the hiking budding. This is encouraging because mustering the rest of the family has been increasingly difficult and I’d prefer not to hike alone. Also I’m not a dog person, but young children that can keep up? Yes.
You will see hikers of all types on this trail. It’s great for newbie hikers because of the length and elevation, but also great for veterans getting back into the season. Also the raging waterfall attracts young and old alike, plus A LOT of dogs. Did I mention I’m not a dog person? I will say I don’t think I saw a single dog off-leash, and that was truly impressive. Nor did I see a single stupid poop bag lying on the side of the trail. Kudos dog people.
Wait for this though, do you know what I DID see for the first time ever? So I’ve been hiking, let me do some math in my head here….give me a second….for about 10 years now. I feel like I’ve seen so many things on the trail. Women on difficult terrain in full length dresses, barefoot runners, people at the top of mountains in flip flops, 20-somethings carrying radios and gallon jugs of water with their bare hands, a cat, half-baked hikers, and even a guy with a gun strapped to his chest.
But for the first time we saw a dude, dressed in Middle Eastern garb, with a full on sword draped across his chest. It was worthy of a double take. I think I was too stunned to stop and ask what the hell he was planning to do with that during a walk in the woods. Maybe a photo shoot of some kind? Maybe legit protection? No idea.
Even on the easiest of hikes, there’s always something new. Although I’ve done this hike several times before, it was good to get out again and feel the moist, Washington terrain beneath my feet, even despite the abundance of people and what seemed like constant doggie meet ups. Move along pups, no one is having a playdate here. We’re back in people. Let’s go on a hike!
Hike Details:
Teneriffe Falls
Total distance: About 5.5 -6.5 miles
*Seems to vary per trip reports. Strava tracked us at 7 which I think must be incorrect. If you do this hike tell me your distance in the comments.
Comments/Suggestions: As I’ve learned, this hike gets as busy as any other easily accessible trail on nice weekends. If you go on a weekend, get there EARLY. Don’t arrive at 11am like us. That is the WORST time to get to a trailhead. Otherwise try go to on a weekday, OR show up later in the day if you feel you can confidently knock out the trail before nightfall. If you go in the afternoon, always pack a headlamp. You never know.
Difficulty: Easy – moderate
Location: I-90 Corridor
Elevation gain: 1585 ft
