Deception Falls Interpretive Trail - Easy Hike near Stevens Pass

When we knew we didn't have time for a long hike, we decided to check out the .5 mile trail at Deception Falls near Stevens Pass.  This hike had it all for a family: short distance, rivers and streams to see, little rocks for throwing into streams, big rocks for climbing on, a safe path for little explorers, several smaller waterfalls, and one medium-sized waterfall to see.

From the parking lot, there are 3 ways to explore the area:
1. Quickest - At the east end of the lot, there is a flight of about 30 stairs that go down to the main falls.  This is the quickest way to reach the main falls.
2. Easiest - At the west end of the lot, there is a .2 mile stroller-friendly and ADA / wheelchair-friendly paved path.  This loops through the trees and over to a viewing platform for the main falls.  Out to the falls and back along the same path takes about .4 miles.
3. Most complete - The 3rd option is taking the .5 mile "Nature Trail Loop" or the "Deception Falls Interpretive Trail."  From the west end of the lot, start out on the paved wheelchair-friendly path.  In a minute or two, take the stairs next to the sign for "LOOP TRAIL."  While this trail isn't always flat enough for a stroller, it is such a fun and interesting trail that even the littlest hiker will love it.  It is short enough to be doable for people of any fitness levels to be able to do it, and benches scattered throughout the trail give plenty of rest opportunities for anyone who wants to take a break.  Take time to read the interpretive signs, look for bugs, play with sticks, or toss rocks in a stream and kids will have a blast!

We started off by finding the paved path over on the picnic side of the parking lot.  Jake also found a stick.  For some reason, finding a hiking stick always seems to make hikes more fun.

Within a couple of minutes, we saw a sign saying that Lower Falls were straight ahead on the paved path and the Loop Trail was down the stairs to the left.  We went down the stairs.

At the bottom of the stairs, we found a log to climb on.  As we reached the little stream, we found a tiny waterfall behind a mossy grotto.  The pool beneath the waterfall was an aqua-tinted crystal clear pool.  I love living in the Pacific Northwest.

 

Past the grotto, we crossed the first bridge on the west side of the loop.  

We also found an old fallen tree that doubles as a pretend pirate ship.

Beyond the first bridge, we walked up a little hill and found the Tye River.  We left the loop and walked down a little path to check it out.  It is turquoise, clear, and beautiful.

We returned to the main loop and came to the hardest part of the trail.  Although the trail is generally pretty flat, we did have to huff a bit up the stairs.  The rest of the trail was smooth sailing, though.

Fortunately, near the top of the stairs there is another little leg out to the Tye River.  At the overlook, there is a bench that's handy for recovering from the stairs.  For someone with too much energy, it's also a good jumping spot.

 

Signs along the way talked about the ecosystem.

 

Near the end of the trail, we crossed a second bridge.  Jake loved running back and forth over the bridge made out of logs.

 



This was our view from the last bridge past the log bridge.  The furnace known as "Summer 2015" has left so many rivers and streams extremely low, or in this case, totally dry.  Normally water flows over the rocks.

Past the last bridge, we found our way back to the paved ADA / wheelchair-friendly trail.  We turned left and found Deception Falls under Highway 2. 

While the stairs that go directly to the falls under Highway 2 is the quickest path, I highly recommend taking the time to explore the Nature Trail route.  We saw fewer people and it was much more of a hands-on experience.

BEFORE YOU GO
1. Check out recent trip reports at the bottom of the WTA page:
Deception Falls National Recreation Area (NRA)
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/deception-falls-nra
2.  There is a pit toilet (like a permanent sani-can) on site, but it would be a good idea to bring some  TP to keep in the car, just in case there is none. There is no running water so bring hand sanitizer.
3. Bring snacks and water.  While the loop is only .5 miles, kids have the most fun when they get to set the pace.  Although a fit adult can walk a half a mile in 15 minutes, plan on spending at least an hour on site so kids can explore whatever catches their interest.  There are several benches along the way which make for ideal snack stops for anyone needing a little rest or encouragement.
4. Since this is right off of Highway 2 and near Stevens Pass, weak cell service is likely.  However, it is never really guaranteed in National Forest land.  Print out directions and a map ahead of time, just in case.
5. Don't worry about looking up permit information.  There is no permit of any kind required for this lot.

GETTING THERE
1. Bing Maps: http://binged.it/1UxVDHP.  Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/yWpYv
2. There is no official address for the trail head, but it is easy to find.  Enter the address for the Skykomish Ranger Station into GPS: 74920 Ne Stevens Pass Hwy, Skykomish, WA 98288.  This is near milepost 50 on Highway 2.  If someone wants to meet a real Forest Ranger, feel free to stop and say "hi."  The Forest Rangers often have little things to give away to kids like a balloon or a sticker.  Sometimes they run out, so don't promise anything ahead of time.  They also have free maps as well as stuffed animals and books for sale.  Check this website for hours: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbs/about-forest/offices/?cid=fsbdev7_001655
3.  If you don't need to stop at the ranger station, continue past the ranger station.  In about 6 miles (and about 6 minutes), look for milepost 56.  Just past milepost 56 is a white and brown sign that says "DECEPTION FALLS LEFT 1/2 MILE."  About a half a mile past the sign, look for a paved driveway on the left side of the street.  There is a brown and yellow sign that says "DECEPTION FALLS - MT. BAKER SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST."