The combination of an imposing Northern Cascade Range and the Skykomish River's plummet toward the sea on the Puget Sound signals dramatic a stretch of scenery along Washington's U.S. Route 2. From Stevens Pass, one of the few breaks in the Northern Cascades, U.S. Route 2 follows the Skykomish River. As you may well imagine Cascade snowfalls, often measured in feet instead of inches, keep the river at high levels for a good part of the year.
     Sunset Falls is the largest of the three major waterfalls on the South Fork of the Skykomish. Here the river shoots down a granite slope to a beautiful aqua green pool below. With the right waterflow, depressions in the rock create some pretty impressive rooster tails that shoot out from the 104 foot drop. From Sunset Falls westward, an incredible whitewater run entertains experienced kayakers and squirt boaters with a solid Class III rapids.
     This chilly scene, taken three years ago, puts on a classic winter show at Sunset Falls. Unfortunately, since then a few poorly parented individuals have spoiled the access to the falls. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has closed the road to their facility because of vandalism. Further access over private property to the falls is also frowned upon. Until accommodations for access are re-established, we all can enjoy this frosty scene.