The trail starts at the west end of the parking area on the side of the road, less than 100' to the right of the message board. The gentle descent begins immediately as the trail parallels below the road. The first several hundred feet of trail cross private property before entering National Forest land, and signs at the trailhead request you stay on the trail. The trees along the trail (hemlock and cedar, among other varieties) are impressively large, and the forest is quite dense.
After about 0.40 miles, the trail splits, and signs direct you towards the lower (left) and upper (right) falls. Obviously, you will want to go to both viewpoints. Choosing the lower falls, the trail continues to descend to a wood platform. The trail was slick and muddy near the bottom, due to the constant mist from the falls.
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Retracing your steps back up to the sign, the trail continues uphill to the upper falls, which also has a wood platform for viewing the falls. Again, the same rainforest feel and the trail was muddy. The falls from both viewpoints were impressive during spring snowmelt. After viewing the upper falls, retrace your steps back uphill to the trailhead.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
To hike The road is suitable for all vehicles when dry.
From Sandpoint, head north on US-2/95 approx 23 miles to Old Hwy 95/Deep Creek Loop at the town of Naples. Turn left on Old Hwy 95/Deep Creek Rd and follow it north for 6.30 miles to Lions Den Rd and turn left. Take Lions Den Rd west, then north (don't miss the turn just before the railroad tracks) for 2.10 miles to Snow Creek Rd, which is not well signed, but is just past crossing the bridge over Snow Creek. Turn left on Snow Creek Rd (left fork) and follow it 1.30 miles to the trailhead parking on the left side of the road. There is a brown sign for the trail just before the parking area.
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