Middle Copper Falls

Middle Copper Falls is the second of three smaller but still substantial waterfalls found along the outlet stream from Copper, Malachite, and Little Heart Lakes (colloquially referred to as Copper Creek). As the Foss Lakes Trail first approaches the 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, just downstream is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the area. The falls roll over a rounded ledge, cascading over smooth rock for 19 feet and then pitches down a sloped apron, dropping another 38 feet in a broad veil, and finally finishes by slamming into a broad bench which protrudes at skewed angle from the rest of the rock face, from which the creek plunges an additional 15 feet in such a way that the right side of the falls sticks further out from the middle tier than the left side. Because the falls drop at a considerable angle, rather than closer to vertical, there is a moderate amount of foreshortening induced when viewing the falls from below and in turn it doesn't quite appear to drop 72 feet in height (but scrambling back up to the top of the falls may convince you otherwise). During periods of heavy flow the falls cover the entire face of the cliff, however by mid July the volume of water will drop such that only a narrow channel of water will be present in the falls. As previously mentioned Copper Creek drains from three substantial lakes, which help ensure the creek retains a decent volume of water for much of the year. The drainage basin itself isn't terribly large - covering an area of about 2-1/2 square miles - and it features no permanent snow or ice, so once the winter's snow pack melts off for the season, the creek will rely on the slow and steady release of water from the lakes to remain consistent. By September the flow is usually considerably diminished.