High Water at the Coast

A short trail with a big reward at the end, the path to Munson Falls sidles up to the creek, which is nearly overgrown with salmonberry, elderberry and wildflowers. We made a snack of the dangling salmonberries--not quite ripe, but still yummy in a slightly bitter way.

In spite of a few rolling hills, you'll barely be out of breath by the time you hoof it over the ½ mile trail. Swainson's thrush, Wilson's warblers and winter wren serenade your progress. The tallest waterfall in the coast range does not gush, but trickles over the canyon rim edge, cascading several times before reaching the invisible bottom.

To get there, drive Hwy 101 south of Tillamook and follow the signs to Munson Falls Natural Area near milepost 73. The road turns to gravel, passing some clearcuts, to a small picnic area where the trail begins. Signs guide the way.