Leon Turnbull Photography

Silver Falls is a hidden gem deep within Eldorado Natl. Forest, a beautiful 41 ft. waterfall on Otter Creek. But it is not so easy to get to. It is a long drive on unplowed dirt forest roads, and I was wondering if I’d be able to get there in the winter. Well, as it turned out there was no snow on the roads. But plenty of mud, due to snow that was melting. My SUV was in desperate need of a bath after this drive. The hike itself is a strenuous one, pretty easy getting down to the falls, but not so easy getting back up. The elevation loss is 1300 ft. over 1.5 miles. It is a huffer for sure. But I was prepared for that, because I had done this hike before. My dog had not done this hike before, though. She had no problems with the hike, but did pick up a couple ticks along the way. Once down at the falls, I wanted to get across the creek to shoot the falls from the other side. I had brought my water shoes along, but when I got down there, I brilliantly figured that I could save time and just rock hop across the creek. Ahh, no. Upon my attempt at doing such a feat, I planted both feet firmly in the creek. My hiking boots and socks were now soaking wet, and I had a tough climb out of the canyon ahead of me. Not a good thing. Thus, I ended up taking my boots off and putting on my water shoes. Across the creek I went. Took my photos of the waterfall. Back across the creek. Sat down to put my socks and hiking boots back on. Worrying that I was touching poison oak in doing so (fortunately, not!) Then back up the trail, huffing all the way. A good hike indeed.