Chush Falls by Whychus Creek Waterfalls Trail

Chush Falls by Whychus Creek Waterfalls Trail

These falls were amazing. Where I took the photos I could feel the mist soaking me. I wonder what it would be like right underneath the falls. Would be great as a romantic outing especially since I only saw 3 groups of people on the trail and I bet most did not bother to hike down to the falls making it a private get away. 

Here are the reason why its not more popular. Its a pain to get to in so many ways. First the drive there. Once in Sisters you get on Elm Street and drive 7 miles until you get to this point that is easy to miss where you have to take a right on FS 1514 service road

Then you travel down a thick gravel road with some washboarding for 4 miles. Keep to the right when you get to this point below.

Just before you get to this bridge you take a left on FS 600 for 2.4 miles now you really have to go slow because of instead of gravel you have large chucks of rocks instead. 

Once I got to the parking lot there were Minivans there so I could have made it in my car but I decided to hike it instead thinking that 2 miles extra should not be a big issue. That was a mistake. Found out the rest of the way offers no shade. Once at the parking lot stay on that road, ignore the trail to the left. Many times on the trail you will see branches and trees purposely blocking the road. That tells you that this part is a dead end and  to look for the trail on the sides. Early on the trail the road splits and there are signs that say stay to the right. That will be the last time you will have signs to help you out.

The book I have says the trail is 1 mile. It does not feel as short as on mile. It felt twice as long as my walk from the start of FS 600 to the parking lot that was 2.4 miles. To me it was a moderately difficult hike but to someone who is inexperienced it will feel like the hike from hell. This is what you mostly walk though almost through the entire hike. An occasional creek or swamp with dead trees

 Reminded me of Lord of the Rings like the trip to Mordor or desolation caused by Smaug the Dragon. Bring at least two bottles of water and sunscreen because those dead trees don't give much shade. After hiking one tough incline I get to this point.

Stay on the left. Once again the branches are telling you not to go to the right. On the left side you are faced with a crudely made sign with an arrow pointing in the right direction. Then you are faced with a uphill hike on two switchbacks on a hill. Finally you are getting close. It felt like another mile though. You finally get there you are rewarded with this.

Really! After all that I came up here to see that! So I said screw that. So now comes the I Do Not Recommend That You Do This way. Just to the right of the Trail End Here sign there is a trail that goes to the falls. It looks worse from the top but it is still hazardous at some points where I insist that you where hiking shoes and now I think about it a first aid kit. I had a few close calls. Once down there your not quite safe yet. Stay off those logs. They are super slick. I barely put a foot on it while taking a photo and instantly slid off. Just walk through the water. As I walked back I ran across a couple who wanted to know what the trail was like. The woman was wearing flip flops. I gave as much info as I could but I am terrible giving directions so I hope this helps anyone who really want to see this and from getting hurt. It would be awful if someone I knew got hurt from trying to get there. Don't take you kids if you decide to get to the bottom of the falls. Also apparently there are more falls if you cross the stream from the first falls and hike downstream for a 100 yards. I decided that was too much. 

Then go downtown Sister and go to the Sno-Cone and get homemade ice cream. They could have a line out the door so if you don't want to wait there at least 3 other places that sell ice cream.