Fish Creek Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fish Creek Falls |
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Fish Creek Falls, June 2005
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Location | Routt County, Colorado, U.S. |
Coordinates | 40°28′54″N 106°46′16″W / 40.481644°N 106.771159°W |
Total height | 283 feet (86 m) |
Watercourse | Fish Creek |
Fish Creek Falls is a stunning waterfall located near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. You can find it about 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of the town. This natural wonder is part of the beautiful Routt National Forest.
The water that creates Fish Creek Falls comes from several small lakes. These lakes are high up in the Rabbit Ears Range of Colorado. The falls drop about 283 feet (86 meters), making them quite impressive!
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Visiting Fish Creek Falls
Many people love to visit Fish Creek Falls, especially in the summer. The road leading to the falls can get busy in the afternoon. Everyone wants to see the amazing waterfall!
Hiking Trails
There are two main hiking trails that start from the parking lot. These trails offer different ways to experience the falls.
Short Trail to the Viewpoint
One trail is about 1/4 of a mile (400 meters) long. It's an easy walk through pretty Aspen trees. You might also spot some Subalpine fir trees along the way. This path leads to a special viewing station. From here, you can see the entire waterfall. It's a great spot for photos!
Trail to the Valley Floor
The other trail goes straight down into the valley. This valley was carved out long ago by glaciers. As you get closer to the bottom, you'll hear the loud rush of the water. You'll also see the beautiful Fish Creek up close.
This longer trail continues past the main falls. It leads to Upper Fish Creek Falls. If you're feeling adventurous, the trail even connects to the Wyoming Trail. This is a very long trail that goes through the mountains of northwestern Colorado and into Wyoming.
Winter Adventures
In winter, Fish Creek Falls transforms into a frozen wonderland. Over 300 inches (7.6 meters) of snow can fall on the mountains nearby. This makes the falls a popular spot for ice climbing. Imagine climbing up a frozen waterfall! It's a challenging and exciting activity for experienced climbers.