Karst Creek is an oddball when it comes to photography. As the name suggests, the area is entirely of karst rock formations, which means the creek has a habit of disappearing into the ground, leaving behind a dry creek bed. I’ve been here plenty of times, and it’s hit or miss—sometimes, the water flows beautifully, and other times, it’s completely vanished.

At the top of the trail, a small waterfall is constantly changing. The rock in the area is unstable, so every visit feels a little different. I’ve seen times when the waterfall is flowing, but the creek below has been swallowed up, and other times when the water rages down to the main road. Maybe it takes a mix of melting snow and swollen creeks to get things moving—who knows? But one thing’s for sure: Karst Creek is unpredictable.

The good news is that the trail is short, so you won’t have to spend much time checking whether the falls are running. The area also has some beautiful old Douglas fir trees, though a few have fallen recently, making composition more challenging.

If you’re planning a day of photography, Karst Creek pairs well with nearby Lupin Falls and Myra Falls—all fantastic locations worth visiting. Whether the creek flows, it’s always an interesting spot to explore.