Overview

Hype:

This route winds through old-growth fir and hemlock forest, past a series of rugged bluffs, to the base of Plaikni Falls. Plaikni, a Klamath Indian word meaning from the high country, reflects the origin of the falls high on the slopes of the volcano. The high country receives and average yearly snowfall of 44 feet. Melting snow percolates through loose volcanic soil, hits an impermeable layer, and surfaces as a spring. One spring forms the origin of Sand Creek, which cascades down as Plaikni Falls. In this lush environment, mosses and wildflowers thrive.

Trail Condition: Class 1 (Trail is either paved or gravel. Navigation skills are not needed because there is only one trail or because there are signs. Elevation gains are gradual or there are stairs.)

Time: 1 hour

Length: 2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 100 ft

Fees: Entrance Fee

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Getting There

Navigate to 42.901760, -122.060513.

The trailhead is located on Pinnacles Road 1.2 miles southeast of the Phantom Ship Overlook.

Route

The first 3/4 mile is accessible to wheelchair users with assistance, but the final, short climb to the falls might be too steep.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Coordinates: 42.901760, -122.060513

Interactive Guide Map

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July 23, 2018 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Cooper Dye, Anthony Dye, Arianne Dye, Miller Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Jaren Wagner,

Logistics

Start: 4:15

Falls: 4:35

Finish: 5:15

Story

We split into two groups. Mom, Dad, Jaren, Savannah, and Madilyn went to the visitor center to get magnets before they closed, and the rest of us hiked to Plaikni Falls. We took our time and let the kids hike their own speed for a lot of it. At the falls, we took a bunch of pictures and took it easy. On the hike back, Cooper refused to keep up. Near the end of the trail, we just left him behind to see if he would even notice. After about 10 minute he started walking again, but then he stopped to play in the sand. Eventually we went back and carried him the rest of the way.

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Pictures