Doughnut Falls From Jordan Pines Campground 2015

Doughnut falls is a fantastic short hike to a very unique waterfall up Big Cottonwood Canyon. The hike itself is easy, and does offer a view of the extraordinary waterfall disappearing into a hole.

Quick Details:

Length: About a half mile from the trail head. From the campground, add about another half mile.
Difficulty: DR3 Easy. pretty easy hiking unless you decide to go up to the falls.
Elevation Gain: Unknown. Not too much though.
Pets: No

In what has become a yearly tradition a bunch of friends camped at Jordan Pines campground which is directly below the Doughnut Falls trailhead. While here, I decided to hike up again to Doughnut Falls and then to Dog Lake. (See next post).

To get here travel 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon you will see a large, most likely packed parking lot on the right. You can park here if the upper lot is full and add about 3 quarters of a mile to the hike. Otherwise continue up the road to the trailhead parking. This is a popular trail, and the parking lot fills fast so be advised.

If you decide to camp, Jordan pines is a little ways up this side road at Mill D South. Cross Big Cottonwood Creek, and then follow the signs to the left. This is a group site, so be sure you have some friends.

Home sweet home for the night.

Our main gathering place. We always use the same site so I don’t know how the others are, but this one has this great group area with a bunch of tables, and ample room around a fire pit. then there are a couple trails around it with a bunch of great spots to put up a tent.

We had a bunny friend come by.

Did you know they roll around in the dirt? At first I thought it was somebodies dog, until I remembered they aren’t allowed up here. Cute little guy. Best of the wildlife I saw this trip. One year we saw deer and moose though so it is a great spot to see wildlife.

Big dipper.

Well after a great night of camping and having fun we decided to get a hiking!

At the back of our group site a trail goes back up to the mountains. Last year, I had hoped it connected to Doughnut Falls and I was right. So we decided to go back that way.

At the back of the campground is the quick really steep section. it isn’t too bad, but it does wind me.

But before long you come to a nice flat open meadow.

Some great wildflowers along the way. I can’t say I have ever seen the lower one before.

The trailhead parking lot. I did mention this is a very popular trail right?

Crossing the creek. There is a bridge here.

It is very pretty up here this time of year.

The narrow canyon. This means you are almost there.

Looking back down.

First glimpse of the waterfall. If you have little ones, this will probably be end of the line for you. From here you have to cross the creek.

Landis deciding on the best way across.

Well. this is new. I guess after quite a few falls (at least 1 fatal if I recall correctly) last year they decided to put this in.

It is obviously super effective. But let’s be honest, people are going to do what they want. The forest service put that in to cover their butts. This way, if someone falls, they can’t sue as not being informed. It’s pretty sad that it’s come to that.

I have never, and probably would never go very far up the trail to the left there. Now, up the rocks, when the water is a LOT lower than it is right now, that is fine. But, like last year, I feel the water was a little too high to climb it today. If you do want to see the waterfall up close plan on coming later in the season when the water levels are lower.

Helpful tip: The rock above the kid in red shouldn’t have that much water flowing over it. It should be wet with maybe small waves washing over it occasionally, or dry. but, that is my opinion of course.

That said, even at low flow this is very dangerous. A lot of people have fallen and gotten hurt, some people have even died. Even the most sure footed, experienced and confident climber cannot be aware of all the dangers, let alone what other idiots around are doing. Do so at your own risk.

The water disappearing into the side of the mountain.

With the stream below.

This is the rock I mentioned earlier. If it has this much water flowing over it, the water is a bit too high for my comfort.

The falls with minimal people. Time to head back.

Crossing the creek again.

I think this is Kessler Peak.

Cars lining the road near the trailhead. If you decide to do this, pay close attention to the signs. there is not much space, and the rangers ticket quite often.

Above the trailhead, there is a signed trail down to the Spruces Campground. this is about 100 yards below the trailhead, and is not signed at all, but this is the trail back down to Jordan Pines.

Terrible picture of a Steller’s Jay.

Great view up canyon from the Mill D fork near Big Cottonwood Canyon Road.

Wildflowers galore.

Well this, as always, is an amazing trail. Even with the crowds I really enjoy doing it, although, without climbing up to really experience the falls it kind of takes away from it. But, we still had a great time. 9 squirrels out of 10.

Difficulty, for the most part is a DR3. Super easy and mostly flat. Now if you plan to scramble up the boulders to the cave that will jump it to a DR5.

Big Cottonwood Canyon is watershed so dogs are not allowed.