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HATCHERY CREEK FALLS

RATING - 12.0

VR - 2 (Small)               HR - 4.0                  SR - 4/20

TYPE OF APPROACH - Bushwhack

DIFFICULTY - Very Difficult

LOCATION - South Skagit Highway

TYPE - Tiered

HEIGHT - 65'

WIDTH - 15'

Hatchery Creek is a three-tiered waterfall located in a very deep and rugged canyon near the lower stretches of Finney Creek.  Getting to the waterfall is an extremely arduous process that is probably not worth the trouble.  The waterfall begins with a 20' tall cascade before turning a corner and dropping over a pretty 20' tall fan.  The creek then plunges an additional 25', finishing the falls.  Unfortunately, a big landslide has found its way into the creek right around the falls, dropping an assortment of tree parts that tend to block any views and generally uglify the scene.  Were it not for this landslide and the clutter it has caused, this would probably be a very pretty waterfall.  As is, this one is definitely not worth the effort it takes to view.  There are a couple of smaller drops downstream that were not tall enough to include on the website but might make for some decent photographs.

If you find yourself in the area, there appears to be a small waterfall just upstream from the road on the next major creek past Hatchery Creek (another mile up the road).  It looks like it's only 20 or 30 feet tall, but should be easy to get to.  I maybe eventually head back into the area to check this spot out as well.

 

DIRECTIONS - Take Highway 20 east to Concrete and turn right onto Concrete-Sauk Road.  Turn right onto South Skagit Highway just after crossing the Skagit River and follow the road for a couple miles to Lower Finney Creek Road.  Turn left and follow the road to the gate.  Park and continue along the road (bike works well) for 2.25 miles to Hatchery Creek.  The waterfall is a very difficult 1/2 a mile upstream and not recommended.

ADDITIONAL PICTURES (CLICK TO ENLARGE) AND VIDEO 

All three tiers of the falls     Lower two tiers with landslide debris in the foreground    

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