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 PYRAMID CREEK FALLS
RATING - 44.0

VR - 6 (Med)               HR - 5.0                  SR - 14/20

TYPE OF APPROACH - Bushwhack

DIFFICULTY - Difficult

LOCATION - Ross Lake Area

TYPE - Curtain

HEIGHT - 85'

WIDTH - 25'

GPS - N48 41.577 W121 08.349

ELEVATION - 2308'

Pyramid Creek Falls is located in a rugged, secluded valley on the north side of Pyramid Peak.  Pyramid Creek tumbles about 85' in a wide wall of water with massive mountains looming overhead.  There are several upper falls that can be seen from further back but not from the base.  In addition there is a small tributary waterfall to the right of the main falls that adds a little something to the scene.

Getting to the falls is difficult, but not impossible.  The trail itself is fairly steep and rocky so you will probably be tired before the bushwhack begins.  The actual bushwhack is fairly pleasant for the first 3/4 of the way.  As you near the creek it gets a little brushier and then the last 500' or so is really bad.  The best time to visit the falls is just before or after the snow has finished melting for the year.  This keeps the brush down and makes the last bit of the trip much more enjoyable.  Once you reach the falls, the coolest view is with the pinnacle of Pyramid Peak over the top of the falls.  If you visit in the morning the sun will be right over the falls at this point so an afternoon visit on a clear day (so you can see the mountain) is best.  This is certainly not a waterfall that anyone can visit, but it's a really cool location and if you can get in here, it's worth the effort.
DIRECTIONS - Take HWY 20 east from the tiny town of Newhalem and park at the Pyramid Lake Trailhead.  Begin hiking up the steep trail.  In just under a mile you will cross the stream that comes out of Pyramid Lake.  Continue for another 1/2 a mile or so until you reach the 3rd of 3 switchbacks.  At this point you are at about 2200' in elevation.  Leave the trail and head into the woods.  Try to stay at the same elevation as you began your bushwhack.  In about 1/2 a mile you will come out of the woods at the falls.  The last 500' is a very brushy journey through the avalanche brush.

NEARBY WATERFALLS - Lower Pyramid Creek Falls, Middle Pyramid Creek Falls
ADDITIONAL PICTURES (CLICK TO ENLARGE) AND VIDEO
First view of Pyramid Creek Falls     Looking up from the base of Pyramid Creek Falls     Straight on look at Pyramid Creek Falls     The sun shining brightly over Pyramid Creek Falls    

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