Sequestered Falls

Deer Creek is the easterly of the tree significant streams which merge at the triple junction along the Eastside Trail, cascading down from the Pacific Crest along the eastern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. Recently it's become clear that the Deer Creek drainage harbors a huge number of previously unknown waterfalls of significant stature, several of which are not terribly difficult to access. Originating in the basin immediately east of Shriner Peak is a major tributary to Deer Creek which we casually refer to as the Shriner Fork. This stream merges with Deer Creek just a few hundred feet upstream of the Highway 123 bridge, and where this confluence occurs, a sharp ridge divides Deer Creek and the Shriner Fork into separate but parallel canyons for several hundred more feet. Along the canyon of Deer Creek can be found Lumber Mill Falls, while on the Shriner Fork is Sequestered Falls - a gorgeous but fairly difficult-to-view waterfall of 53 feet in height. The two waterfalls are only about 250 linear feet apart, but the ridge dividing the two canyons keeps each one well hidden from the other - Sequestered Falls more so because the cliffs in its basin rise above the top of the falls in virtually all directions except downstream. The stream which produces this waterfall is surprisingly significant, at least during peak snowmelt season. The basin which it drains from is certainly not large, and while it rises from near 5000 feet and will retain a great deal of winter snowpack in the north facing pockets of the ridge east of Shriner Peak, the volume of the creek will certainly drop considerably late in the year (but will likely not run dry). This will ultimately result in making the falls easier to access, but greatly reducing its scenic qualities at the same time. The waterfalls in the upper Deer Creek drainage are not developed and all require off-trail travel to visit, ranging from moderate to extremely difficult bushwhacking. Those who are not seasoned in off-trail travel through brushy terrain are discouraged from visiting this area.This waterfall is not known to have been named at any time, though the presence of several sections of flagging tape in the area suggest it isn't an entirely unknown waterfall. We have suggested naming it for the fact that despite being just a few hundred feet away from both the main stem of Deer Creek and the Highway 123 corridor, it remains very effectively hidden and tucked away in an alcove.