Hiking Mill Creek Falls Trail

Start: Trail begins behind the amphitheater adjacent to the southwest parking area.
Round Trip Distance: 3.8 miles
Round Trip Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Terrain: Forested with creek crossings
Elevation: 6700'-6,600'

 

No Bridges over Falls

The bridges over the falls have not yet been rebuilt; travel across the creek requires off-trail travel. There are numerous down trees between the overlook and the Mill Creek. Overlook facing the waterfall is open following reconstruction.

 

Mill Creek Falls is the highest waterfall in the park with a drop of 75 feet. It is at the junction of East Sulphur and Bumpass creeks. Because of the surrounding forest and rugged terrain there are only two or three points from which it can be photographed.

The trail descends to the crossing of West Sulphur Creek, crosses an open hillside (see photo in gallery) and follows through forested areas to the falls. Deer are likely to be seen as well as a variety of birds. Mulesears is the common wildflower that covers the open hillside and usually is in full bloom by July. Many other wildflowers, including the blue and white stickseed, can be seen. There are good views of Brokeoff Mountain and Mt. Diller.

The trail continues beyond the crossing of East Sulphur and Bumpass Creeks, past Crumbaugh Lake, and on to the Kings Creek Picnic Area (a steep 750 ft climb, see Cold Boiling and Crumbaugh Lakes trail).