Lower Copper Falls

As the Foss Lakes Trail first approaches the outlet stream draining Malachite, Copper and Little Heart Lakes - colloquially known as Copper Creek - one becomes immediately aware of the roar of the stream. While many take note of a small cascade just upstream from where the creek is visible, in reality there are several significant waterfalls where the stream makes its final descent to join with the West Fork of the Foss. Lower Copper Falls is a two-stepped sliding cascade which marks the final significant drop of the creek before it merges with the Foss. The upper tier is located only about 250 feet downstream from the base of Middle Copper Falls, but the two cannot be seen collectively and thus are cataloged as individual entries. The falls consist of a 34-foot tall sliding cascade, pitched at perhaps a 45 degree angle which then leads almost directly into a much narrower fall of another 30 feet where the creek slides into a wall and makes a sharp bend to continue cascading into a small pool. Because the falls drop at a significantly less-than-vertical angle, there is a considerable amount of foreshortening encountered when viewing the falls from near its base, but as one climbs or descends along the creek the true size of the falls is more apparent. As previously mentioned Copper Creek drains from three substantial lakes and retains a considerable volume of water throughout the year. Though late in the summer and autumn months the creek will be reduced in volume, the falls flow well all year long and in some respects may be better to visit during the driest period of the year (namely in regard to photography).