Tillicum Creek

A tributary of the Lewis River on the north-northwest side of Indian Heaven. The uppermost drop is Little Niagara which is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Despite being located out in the middle of nowhere, this falls is frequently visited by waterfall photographers. Tillicum Creek drains a good part of the northern end of the Indian Heaven plateau, so it sees decent flow well into summer. Tillicum has a reputation for bad roads, but the roads were not all that bad when visited in Sept 2024. Certainly no worse than many others in the area. Descent Options:

From FR 90 (Lewis River Road), turn south on FR 88 for 1.4mi. Turn right on FR 32 and follow for ~5.2mi. There are a great many potholes, some car-sized. HC vehicle recommended. From FR 24 near Big Mosquito Lake, take FR 8851 northwest for 3.6mi. There is a short section (0.25mi) of major subsidence along the paved section of road. Easily passed with HC vehicle as of Sept 2024. The rest of the road is fine. At the end of the pavement, turn right on gravel FR 32 for 1.6mi. Park in a pullout at the bend in the road. Look on the south side for an obvious user trail that leads right down to the top of the falls. Approach: ~2min.

Escape is possible from below R1, taking obvious user trail up and out about 100 yards downstream / just above R2. It is possible to exit below R2 (see "Exit" below). Otherwise, continue 0.5mi downstream. Continue 0.45mi downstream. Continue 0.25mi downstream.

Head downstream a hundred yards from Tillicum Falls. Duck under two huge old-growth trees spanning the creek exit DCR up into a small area of open forest. Just to climber's left a steep tributary enters. Look for a faint unmarked user trail that heads steeply upwards on the climber's right side of the tributary. The route stays in relatively open forest with a bare minimum of bushwhacking. After about 3-5min you'll run right into an old hiking trail that runs along the north side of Tillicum Creek. Follow the trail to your right which leads right back up to the parking area. Go downstream about 100 yards and exit DCR open forested slopes to locate an old overgrown road grade that will take you to FR 321. If you didn't leave a shuttle here, it's +2.5mi, 600ft hike back to the trailhead. Expect it to take about an hour.