Alpine Lakes Wilderness #5 - Otter Falls and Big Creek Falls

There was no egg hunt this year—no plastic grass, no hidden candy, no frantic backyard search. Just a quiet Easter Sunday, a pair of trail shoes, and the pull of the forest.

I pointed the van toward the Middle Fork, chasing that early April light that feels like a promise. The kind of morning where winter finally loosens its grip and the air carries just a hint of warmth.

It was also an opportunity to try out my new pack, the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20L

A Head Start on the Day

I pulled into the trailhead at 6:22 AM, just ahead of sunrise. The sky was already softening, trading night for that pale blue glow that filters through the trees before the sun fully commits. I had a headlamp ready, but it turned out to be unnecessary—ten minutes in, it was back in the pack.

That’s one of the quiet joys of spring trail running. The days stretch just enough to give you a head start without needing to fumble in the dark.

A Runner’s Trail

The trail to Otter Falls and Big Creek Falls is one of those rare routes that feels made for running. It rolls gently, never asking too much, never giving too little. There are rocks—plenty of them—but they’re the kind that keep you honest without breaking your rhythm.

Every step asks for just a bit of attention. Enough to stay engaged. Not enough to slow you down.

And then there were the washouts.

A couple of sections where the trail simply… disappeared. Not in a frustrating way, but in a way that felt like part of the experience. A quick pause. A scan for the best line. A small decision. Then onward.

It turned the run into something more than just miles—it became a puzzle, a game of movement and awareness.

Water, Light, and Solitude

By the time I reached Otter Falls, the forest was fully awake. The water was loud, energized by snowmelt, tumbling over rock in that way that makes you stop—even if just for a moment.

Big Creek Falls followed, equally rewarding. No crowds. No noise beyond the water and the occasional bird. Just that rare stillness you only find when you start early enough.

It felt like having the entire place to yourself.

The Quiet Return

The run back was smooth and steady, the kind where your body settles into a rhythm and your mind drifts just enough to notice things you missed on the way in—light hitting the moss, the smell of damp earth, the subtle shift of the season.

By the time I was back at the trailhead, the day was just getting started for everyone else.

As far as the Ultimate Direction pack, I was very pleased. The fit was perfect and there was no movement. It carried more than I needed and the front pockets made it easy to pull out my phone to capture photos or check my progress in All Trails. It also stored a compass, pepper spray, a snack, and bottle of water. I chose well and look forward to many more trips with this pack.

If You Go

• Location: Middle Fork Snoqualmie area (Otter Falls / Big Creek Falls trail)

• Best time: Early morning—especially in spring when light comes early and crowds come late

• Trail conditions: Very runnable with rocky sections; expect a couple of washouts requiring route-finding

• Gear tip: Headlamp optional this time of year if you start near sunrise

• Why it’s great: A perfect shoulder-season run—cool temps, flowing water, and just enough challenge to keep things interesting

This is the kind of route that reminds you why you run trails in the first place—not for speed, not for distance, but for mornings like this.