Marietta Falls

Marietta Falls is a rather impressive low-land waterfall found where O'Toole Creek makes its final descent to the broad Skagit River valley near the town of Hamilton. The falls consist of two tiers; a 29-foot tall nearly vertical curtain style drop which enters a small pool flanked on all sides by walls of moss, followed by a booming 123-foot tall drop which begins briefly as a sliding horsetail and then enters into a free-fall before impacting on the cliff side and veiling outward at its base. The shape of the canyon and the surrounding forest obscures the upper tier from view from most places along the canyon floor, but it can be easily seen from boot paths along the canyon rim (though it isn't so much worth the effort). While O'Toole Creek isn't necessarily a huge stream, it possesses a significant drainage basin and remains incredibly consistent throughout the year. This both ensures that the falls are worth visiting during almost any season, but also can present persistent problems in terms of access for those who do not wish to deal with stream fords (which can be knee to thigh deep in the wet season). If you encounter high water conditions, exercise caution and common sense and do not attempt to cross the creek if you feel uncomfortable.