Mossy Rock Falls

Mossy Rock Falls is the final of the significant waterfalls along Twentytwo Creek as it exits Lake 22 on the north flank of Mount Pilchuck. The falls cascade a total of 145 feet in six distinct steps, with individual drops of 20, 17, 19, 12, 20 and 57 feet respectively. This series of falls isn't directly visible from the Lake 22 trail, but one can look down over the top of the falls from the footbridge which crosses the creek near the beginning of the hike, as well as the switchback immediately beyond the bridge. Note that private property adjoins Twentytwo Creek to the west of the falls, so any attempts to hike off-trail to view the falls should be conducted from the east side of the creek. Twentytwo Creek originates in Lake 22 just upstream from the first of the waterfalls along Twentytwo Creek, and drains from a basin covering just seven-tenths of a square mile. Despite the small drainage area, the stream retains a fairly consistent flow throughout the year thanks to the significant precipitation the area receives and the steep cliffs on the north side of Mount Pilchuck which shield the basin from direct sunlight and slows the rate of snow melt in the spring.The series of waterfalls along Twentytwo Creek have been collectively referred to as Twentytwo Creek Falls since the first edition of Greg Plumb's "Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest" which later became the "Waterfall Lover's Guide" series. Because closer examination of the creek shows there are at least 5 distinct waterfalls along the creek, this name is not terribly appropriate.