Middle Sulphur Creek Falls

Sulphur Creek harbors several small but pretty waterfalls where it has carved a twisting gorge into the broad Sulphur Creek basalt formation that permeates the Rocky and Sulphur Creek drainages. Those visiting the Schriebers Meadows area have no doubt glanced at the pretty gorge along Sulphur Creek upstream from the bridge, but downstream lies a much more scenic stretch where multiple modest waterfalls can be found. This two-stepped fall of 15 and 4 feet is the second one encountered as one walks down along the creek. The upper tier splits into two segments and plunge side-by-side into a narrow grotto, followed by a broad lower tier which spills into a deep pool. Unfortunately the depth of this pool in conjuction with the sheer cliffs on either side of the creek prevent closer access. While Sulphur Creek is a remarkably consistent stream thanks to the extensive snow and glacier melt from Mount Baker, it has been partially diverted to the nearby Koma Kulshan Powerhouse and as a result has its average volume reduced by perhaps one-third (the capacity of the Koma Kulshan system is 121 cfs, and most of that comes from Rocky Creek). This seems to actually be a benefit in the case of Sulphur Creek as the falls do not overwhelm with spray and the bedrock is more exposed than it might otherwise be, allowing easier access in some areas.