Chimney Rock Falls

Chimney Rock Falls is best seen from the Pacific Crest Trail between Lemah Meadows and the Waptus Burn. The shortest approach to where the falls are visible is approximately 6 ½ miles via the Pete Lake Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. The falls should be visible for the majority of the 4-mile climb up the Waptus Burn along the Pacific Crest Trail.Two things surprise me more than anything else about this waterfall. The glacier that feeds the falls, having a southern exposure and a relatively small area, produces an unusually large volume of water in proportion to its size. This may well be because of the southern exposure, but I'm frankly surprised its still as large as it is - considering that larger glaciers have all but vanished on nearby Mounts Daniel and Hinman. The large volume may have something to do with the oddity that the majority of the falls occurs within a twisting slot gorge, of sorts, as the falls cascade 800 feet down the otherwise exposed hillside. From the PCT near the Waptus Burn summit, the majority of the falls can be seen, but from the valley floor, only portions are clearly visible - namely the side-by-side uppermost tier and the third tier, all others are more or less obstructed from view by the gorge or by the thick avalanche scrub. The falls occur in an avalanche zone, and though views are temptingly easy to achieve, getting closer to the falls would test the patience of a saint. I don't recommend even trying.