What are the main obstacles on the trail to Tin Cup Joe Falls?

The trail is steep and unmaintained, with significant blowdowns that are often too large to cut and require navigating under. As of [June 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-06-20.064453598544), one multiple tree blowdown was noted that required clearing. Additionally, there are route-finding challenges and bushwhacking involved.

Are there any significant water crossings on the trail?

The creek below the lower falls can be crossable, with one report from [February 11](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-02-11.210345878918) noting it was crossable. However, due to flow or other conditions, hikers may opt for a gully route up the side. There are also smaller stream crossings that are easy to step over, with boardwalks and bridges in most places on the preceding Middle Fork Trail.

What is the typical parking situation at the trailhead?

Parking can vary. On [June 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-06-20.064453598544), the parking lot was half-empty in the morning and full in the afternoon. A previous report on [November 16, 2025](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2025-11-16.150422365298) stated the trailhead parking was almost full, but only a few parties were seen on the trail.

Tin Cup Joe Falls

Snoqualmie Region

updated 3 months ago

The Tin Cup Joe Falls trail is described as steep, spicy, and unmaintained, presenting a significant obstacle course, as noted on April 19. The initial section of the Middle Fork Trail to Cripple Creek was in great shape as of June 19. However, the trail to the falls itself has blowdowns, with one multiple tree blowdown requiring clearing on June 19, and others that are too large to cut and require going under as of February 11. Creek crossings are generally manageable, with the one below the lower falls being crossable on February 11, but hikers may opt for a gully route. Access via Middle Fork Road requires a high clearance vehicle in places, as it can be rough, with large potholes as of November 16, 2025, though this has been improved in some sections since then. Parking at the trailhead can be busy, being half-empty in the morning and full by the afternoon on June 19.

Generated from 12 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Tin Cup Joe Falls

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 3 months, so everything below is at least that old.

The Middle Fork Road can be rough in places and may require a high clearance vehicle. As of November 16, 2025, large potholes were present but had been filled with water, necessitating slow travel. Work was being done to clear logs and drains on the Middle Fork Trail as of February 3, which may have improved conditions.