Chush Falls a unique Sisters attraction

Many residents of our region go their entire lives without ever hiking up to see the thundering waterfalls of Whychus Creek. Don't be one of them.

The falls, formerly known as S**** Creek Falls, had their name changed in 2006 after the State Legislature, in a sweeping gesture of political correctness, banned the use of the S-word for Oregon place names. No matter what you call them, though, visiting the falls is well worth the effort.

Now is the best time to view the falls because the water volume is peaking due to the increased snowmelt as the weather warms. Most of the trail area is free of snow, and the mosquitoes haven't hatched yet. At least they hadn't when I made the trip last week.

References don't agree on the length of the trek; but, at most, it's only a couple of miles one-way. From the trailhead to the first major falls, it's a very leisurely half-hour walk. Sources rank the difficulty as "moderate." I suppose the only thing separating it from "easy" is a "moderate" stretch of uphill hiking shortly before the lower falls.

The trail passes through a mixed conifer forest that includes ponderosa and lodgepole pine, various firs, and even the occasional hemlock and spruce. Firs include noble, white, Pacific silver, and the predominant fir species - grand fir. Many of the lodgepole stands have been hard hit by insect infestations, but the old growth ponderosas and firs remain largely untouched.

As the trail leaves the parking area, it winds gently through the woods and crosses two small tributary creeks. The trail is wide and well traveled. Lower Sq*** Creek Falls is now billed as Chush Falls, and it's really raging at this time of year. The top of the North Sister is visible from the principal viewing site. A very steep and very poor "unofficial" trail leads to the base of the falls, where a refreshing mist may be waiting.

When approaching the falls, hikers would do well to take note of the proper trail to return on, since a veritable maze of footpaths radiate out from the area. It's pretty hard to get lost, though, as long as you stay within earshot of the creek. Still, a little care may save unplanned backtracking or brush beating.

From this point on, there is no maintained trail, but the informal trails are easy to follow. Generally, follow the wider, smoother paths, and you'll do fine; and always remember to stay where you can still hear the creek. In about ten minutes you will reach the next major water feature.

Middle S***w Creek Falls is actually unnamed, so I'm thinking of starting a campaign to call it Eisenbeis Falls. Even that would be easier to pronounce than Whychus. The middle falls are at the confluence of Whychus and Park Creeks. A huge buttress of rock separates the two waterways until they finally roar together as one.

A few more minutes of even worse trails and you will find yourself near some Class 83 rapids. (Editor's note: since whitewater rapids are rated on a scale of one to six, it may be presumed that the writer is employing hyperbole.) Do not stop here; these are not the falls.

Believe me, when you finally reach Upper Sq**w Creek Falls - now known as Upper Chush Falls - you'll know it when you see it; this is the pièce de résistance. Last week it was still necessary to negotiate some lingering patches of snow, so watch your footing. Below the falls, you will find yourself in a steep valley. With the lousy trail fresh in your mind, you may be tempted to climb out for easier going. Don't bother. At the top is a rockslide where the footing is even more treacherous.

To take this hike, drive 7.2 miles out Three Creek Lake Road (Elm Street in town). Turn right onto Forest Road 1514 where a sign directs you to Whychus Creek. There are some spectacular mountain vistas along the way. About 5.1 miles later turn left on Road 600. If you cross the Sq*aw Creek bridge, you've gone too far.

Another two miles brings you to Road 670, where an orange sign with an arrow tempts you to turn left. Do NOT do it. Continue rightish for another 10th of a mile to a "T" in the road. There, a non-controversial sign points you left to "FALLS TRHD," and the road ends in less than a mile.

The gravel roads are suitable for passenger vehicles; but, if you're feeling guilty about that big SUV you don't drive anymore, this is an excuse to use it. The trail enters the Three Sisters Wilderness, but this particular site is no longer a fee use area.

The trip is a great family outing, so pack a lunch and relax by one of the falls. And if you use the falls' "real" name, it will just be our dirty little secret.