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On a hot July day, with the temperature approaching 97 degrees, we decided a short hike might be a good idea. We were near the Trestle Creek Trail, and the map mentioned a waterfall with a “moss covered grotto”. That sounded heavenly on such a warm day, and we were camping just a mile away at Lund Park Campground.
We left from the parking lot, crossed a bridge where almost every kid had to spit over the edge, and found the trailhead leading into the shade. The trail was easy and flat, and for a while I thought it would be stroller-friendly. But alas, after a few hundred feet, the trail narrowed and there were places where a stroller wouldn’t have been able to pass. But the hike here is shaded and lovely, and easy to walk. There is one narrow scramble where you’ll want to hold hands tightly with young children, but otherwise the trail is safe for all ages.
Our 5 year old has low endurance, so my husband uses a Deuter II Kid Comfort frame pack to carry him after he gets tired.
During our hike, we crossed a bridge where Trestle Creek joins Brice Creek. The swimming holes here looked amazing, although we weren’t in a swimming mood. But the colors were beautiful and we stopped for a bit to take photos and explore around the bridge.
At this junction, the trail splits. Continue straight for Brice Creek Trail, or turn up the hill toward Trestle Creek Falls. We turned uphill for the final push. The trail is fine for most adults, but was challenging for our younger kids, ages 2 and 4. With encouragement, they were able to hike “just a bit further”.
From this point, the trail was steep and narrower, and we held tightly to our younger kids, mostly to keep them from tripping. The trail itself isn’t unsafe, just harder to walk on.
And then…
Magic happened.
And this is exactly why you take the trail you’ve never taken. This is why you venture out on a 97 degree day with 7 kids, which is completely crazy, by the way, but this is why.
Stooping under this log, and stepping out on the other side, there’s a different world, one full of wonder. One you only think exists in movies. But it’s real, and it exists at the end of a tiny trail on an insignificant creek 28 miles from a small Oregon town.
Maybe I should just show you.
Crossing from the trail to the falls requires a short scramble over logs
Once past the logs, the ground is flat and safe for children to play. Ours had a blast throwing rocks into the creek. And shoes. But that’s another story.
A few more videos because we can’t get enough:
Other Details
There’s no fee to park at the Trestle Creek Trail Head. A pit toilet is available.
