Water Falling Over Things 2009: Part IV (A Brand-New Waterfall)

I drove up Stevens Pass on Wednesday, hoping to get some good shots of the Deception Falls Nature Trail. Unfortunately, the area was still closed (I later found out that it didn't open until this weekend), and the only view I could get of the falls themselves were from the highway bridge, definitely not the best angle.





Anyway, as I'm driving home, I notice a gap in the hillside on the north of the highway. That's often a sign of a cascade or mini-fall, and, sure enough, there was a very nice 20-30 foot cascade just off the side of the road. One U-turn later, I find a pullout, and one of the most photogenic little falls I've seen in some time.





After returning home, I check with Bryan Swan, maintainer of the World Waterfall Database. He informs me that this is not in the database and, indeed, wouldn't qualify under certain technical standards (I couldn't demonstrate that there was bedrock under the stones) as a waterfall at all. Well, even if the WWD doesn't consider this a waterfall, I certainly do! Since it is near the town of Grotto, and fed by two tributaries of the Skykomish River coming from Grotto Mountain, I chose the obvious (unofficial) name of Grotto Falls. It's between mileposts 37 and 38 on the north side of Highway 2 over Stevens Pass, in case anyone wants to get a look at it themselves.











On the way back, I got a nice cross-valley view of distant Bridal Veil Falls, running higher than I'd ever seen it before.








Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to make the rather strenuous climb to Bridal Veil. (The last time, back in 2005, was in early autumn with rather low flow.) Hopefully, I can get up there sometime next month.

I think you discovered a waterfall!! (since I am not bound by rules) And now I am understanding where The Cascades name came from. I think I will send this thread to my daughter that lives in Seattle. You all put up with the rain and it is totally worth it. Thanks for the great pics!

I think it most certainly needs to be named after yourself. Just call it "Mine"
:)
Beautiful!