Bailey Falls

For experienced hikers only:

DO NOT ATTEMPT if you are not an experienced hiker used to strenuous trails, bushwacking and trails where scrambling is required. DO NOT continue this part of the hike alone or with an inexperienced hiker.

I personally have not hiked to Bailey Falls, but heard of this waterfall from a fellow “waterfaller.”

Bailey Falls is a two part waterfall – Lower Bailey Falls, which is 20 feet in height, and Upper Bailey Falls, 30 feet in height. Both are beautiful and distinctive. However getting to these two waterfalls aren’t for the faint of heart and should not be attempted when waters are high.

To get to Bailey Falls, you first hike to Margarette Falls. Begin in the Margarette Falls parking lot and hike the 1.2 miles to Margarette Falls. See instructions for this hike here.

When you get to Margarette Falls, you can hike up the right side and follow the creek back to Bailey Falls. This trail is unmarked and more difficult than the trail to Margarette. Bailey Falls consists of separate 30-foot upper and 20-foot lower sections in a gorgeous slot canyon. Not many people know of this portion so you likely won’t encounter other people there. This section is not children or dog friendly, as there are portions where you have to wade in the creek and jump from rock to rock. To reach Bailey you need to climb the steep slope to the right of Margarette Falls. Near the top of the climb, you need to turn left and scramble up a 10-foot rock outcrop. Experienced scramblers shouldn’t have issues due to several good handholds. The path continues 100 feet before reaching a creek crossing.

On the other side, you’ll find a secluded campsite. The path crosses the creek again before ending at Glen Falls, a small 10 foot waterfall. From here the rest of the way to Bailey Falls is totally walking in the creek. You’ll pass a couple of jagged bluffs before the falls. You’ll each Lower Bailey Falls at 1.5 miles.

Just around the corner is Upper Bailey Falls. To get there, look for a steep scramble path on the east side of the creek just below Lower Bailey Falls. You will climb up a several of rock outcropings above Lower Bailey Falls, wind around for about 100 feet, and arrive at a sloping rock at the top of Lower Bailey Falls. Proceed very carefully down the rock and into the creek just above the lower waterfall. This part is extremely dangerous, so tread carefully. A misstep could be fatal. Once you safely climb back into the water, you should have a clear view of Upper Bailey Falls, a 30-foot waterfall nestled in a canyon. Once you view Upper Bailey Falls return the way you came.