Goose Creek Falls (2023)
Goose Creek Falls is a spectacular waterfall near Brundage Mountain in McCall, Idaho. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead, but the parking area is shared with hikers, ATV, bike and horseback riders. So on nice days, it can get congested. This there-and-back trail is a gradual descent to the top of the waterfall. To reach the bottom of the falls takes some scrambling down a near-vertical jagged rock face.
Challenges
The hike in is easy enough, with a mostly steady descent. However, this means the hike back to the parking lot is almost entirely uphill, so pace yourself if you’re not used to this.
There are a few small water crossings, but most are easily traversed without danger of getting wet. Take your time and make sure you have good footing and adequate balance for these crossings.
The final 50 feet (15.24 m) or so of this hike as you reach the falls is pure jagged rocks, and the last 20 feet (6.1 m) is a near-vertical descent down a rocky face. It helps to turn to face the rocks as you descend. If you have balance, mobility, or strength issues, this will be a very difficult area. Take your time and always make sure you have two good hand holds and one foot hold each step of the way.
Dogs may find this impossible to navigate. Keep that in mind before bringing your 4-legged friends.
Equipment
Sunscreen
Bug Repellant
Water
Snack
Good hiking shoes or boots
Water sandals or shoes if you want to wade into the water below the falls.
Swimsuit if you plan to jump in the pool below the falls. Depending on water flow and temperature, this might be risky or even dangerous.
The Approach
From McCall’s city center, head west on ID-55 N towards New Meadows. In 4.2 miles, turn right onto Brundage Rd/Brundage Mountain Rd/Goose Creek Rd. Follow this road for 2.7 miles, then take the turnoff onto Forest Rd 51902. You should see the large dirt parking lot as you turn onto the forest road. Find a parking spot, preferably in the shade if it will be a hot day, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
The Trail
The trail to Goose Creek Falls starts on the west side of the parking lot. There are signs, and the trail is clearly marked and visible. The trail starts flat but soon presents a short climb. From the top, the remainder of this hike will be downhill to the waterfall. The trail will be mostly shaded for the duration, although the closer to noon in the Summer months, the more sun you will get. Prepare accordingly with sunscreen and bug spray. Since you are in the mountains, you may want to layer up if you start in the morning. It starts cool, but once the sun is up, the temperatures rise quickly in that thin mountain air.
If you go during wildflower season, you will see a variety of plants in bloom. You may even find some wild strawberries or raspberries ripening later in the Summer. The season may also determine if any small streams will be crossing the trail. These locations are known, and stones have been placed as steps to cross at these spots. When crossing stones, be aware that they may shift and move on you when you apply weight.
The trail levels off at the bridge crossing. This is a great place to stop and get some pictures and take in the view. The remaining half-mile to the falls is mostly flat but offers several offshoots to explore and get interesting views of this tumultuous Goose Creek as it approaches the waterfall. There is also a beautiful clearing ahead with wildflowers and butterflies during the late spring and summer months. You’ll also notice the terrain changes here to much rockier ground. This rock terrain will become only more pronounced as you approach the falls. A few hundred yards more, and you will reach the top of the waterfall.
The Waterfall
Goose Creek Falls varies dramatically in how it is experienced based on the season you visit and the amount of snow melt occurring. On our first visit, the flow was lowish. This presented a lovely view from the top of the falls but an even better view at the bottom. We all felt comfortable wading into the water and taking in all the views we could. This time around there was an abundance of water. It was a torrent launching over the top into the pool below. The view from the top was more impressive, so we thought the same would be true of the view from the bottom. However, the flow was so great that it was difficult to reach the bottom and nearly impossible to get to the outcroppings on the rocks to get a full view of the falls. The water was so much deeper and moving so fast that we were hesitant to wade in. It turned out that the better views were from the top.
As far as reaching the bottom of the waterfall, that can be a challenge on its own. The last 50 feet are jagged rocks that present themselves as fantastic tripping hazards. The final 20 feet is where the real fun begins. This is a turnaround, face the wall, and maintain three points of contact kind of descent. There are lots of handholds, but be careful to test the rocks you’re gripping or stepping on, as many are loose and should not be trusted. At the bottom, there is a very small section where people can stand, and I do mean small. Half a dozen can fit if you don’t mind being really friendly with the group. Your options to spread out are limited if there is a lot of water, but if you’re up for it, you might find a rock outcropping or a tamer section in the water where you get a little more space.
The results may vary, but they are always worth the effort. The waterfall is amazing, and the cool mist refreshes you. Stand in the mist and breathe deep breaths of cool mountain air. Feel your body reinvigorate as the energy of the world around you awakens your soul. If you came prepared, wade in or take a dip in the frigid mountain pool. Drink in the moment and let it wash over all your senses. Enshrine it as a core memory to strengthen you when life weighs you down. Then leave it as wonderful and beautiful as your heart proclaims it should be. Leave no trace so that others may experience it as you have.
The Return Trip
Once you’ve taken in your fill of this wonderous location, you can begin your trek back to the parking lot. Since the hike out is mostly uphill, take your time and think about the experience you just had at the falls. Enjoy the wildflowers, the butterflies, the sunlight warming your skin, and the shade cooling you as you hike up and out of the valley. Pause often to look at the flowers, the trees, and any wildlife that presents itself to you. If you get chirped at by an angry chipmunk or squirrel, just laugh and move along to give them the satisfaction of running you off. At the summit, take a deep breath, stretch your arms out wide, arch your back, look up into the sky, and let out a big sigh. Make the final jaunt downhill to the parking lot and load up the car. Take a final look around and smile as you briefly recall your adventure.
If you’re feeling peckish, I would recommend My Father’s Place for a burger. If you’re more in the mood for a treat, Ice Cream Alley is a winning option. My Father’s Place has Acai Bowls, or they make a truly refreshing fresh raspberry milkshake.
Summary
Goose Creek Falls is a wonderful little hike that really ticks a lot of marks, especially in the right seasons. The mostly shaded trail helps keep you cool on your way down and the water at the end helps you cool down for the hike back out. Despite lacking dramatic mountain views, the trail’s wildflowers, butterflies, wildlife, and simplicity make it a delight. The waterfall and optional adventure to its base make for an exceptional payoff. This is certainly a hike you won’t want to miss if you’re in the area.
