They flow together into a huge, verdant canyon, a view that in itself would justify the hike. Once you tear yourself away, you round the bend and begin to get glimpses of the falls through tree branches. Again, it's tempting to stop at one of the benches on the descent, but the real prize is a few hundred feet farther, where a man-made wooden overlook lets you look Feather Falls right in the eye, as it were. Starting from a narrow flow at the top, it strikes a series of rock outcroppings and fans out as it falls into a feather-shaped plume. Don't wait to go.
Early spring is the most popular time to visit, and already the flow is somewhat smaller.
On a quiet day, the overlook, with its 270-degree views, would be a marvelous place to bring a towel and sunbathe. It was rebuilt in 1999, and the smell of the Douglas fir boards is still strong. It's considered a high priority by Park Service officials, and it shows. Two bridges and part of the trail, in fact, have been rebuilt by trail workers since high water destroyed them in January 1997. All rights reserved.