About a month after moving to Junction City, Kansas, we heard a rumor about there being a beautiful waterfall nearby... We have finally seen it in action!
I scour the internet at a constant rate in attempts to find different things to do in every city we encounter, and in every city we live. In the fall of 2017, we had heard about a nearby lake (about 6 miles out of the city limits) that has one of Kansas states prettiest waterfalls. Once the weather warmed up in the spring, we went in search of it, with no such luck.
You see, we have a kid that gets car sick. Often.
We had found the lake, no problem. But while driving on a winding dirt road that supposedly takes one towards this waterfall, our daughter's stomach wasn't having it.
A week later, we ditched our daughter at home (she's 13) and headed back. But that time around I had searched on Google earth and did a bit more research about the fall's where-abouts. I found a blog that somewhat explained where it was, and with a Google earth map, I was certain I had found an easier way to reach the waterfall.
After a short drive on a different road than the lake's primary access, we found ourselves at the edge of the lake. A quarter mile walk or so later, we finally find the falls area, but much to our dismay, absolutely no water was flowing! There were only a few puddles at the base of the falls with stagnant snake filled water.
To make a long story short, Geary Lake became our favorite chill spot over the summer of 2018. Every time we ventured that way, we'd stop and see if the waterfall was flowing. It never was. Summer ended. Fall was cold, wet and snowy.
While my sister-in-law was visiting last week, she asked what there was to do around here. "Not much" is our go-to answer. But while driving around town, we realized all of the rivers around here were pretty darn full thanks to a few days of steady rain. That's when we decided to brave the cold and see if the waterfall was in its full glory.
On a 25 degree, gray and overcast day, we drove out to the falls area. Muddy and slick, we carefully walked along the path. As we came closer, we could hear the sound of rushing water. And then we saw it: The waterfall was flowing!
Because I have been disappointed before, I left my beloved Nikon at home and was only equip with a cell phone.We wandered around the area for a few minutes then headed back to the car. We were frozen by the time we jumped in. The wind chill was terrible.
A few days later, my sister-in-law had returned home, but our friend from Colorado was now visiting. Oddly enough, the first time we ever tried finding the falls, he was with us. Though the weather was still freezing balls, the sun was shining and we decided to head back again, this time with the Nikon in hand. In just two days time, the falls had changed. Giant icicles hung from the top. Ice crystals had formed in the small pools at the base. With the sunlight at golden hour, the scene was sparkling and more than I hoped for.
We spent about a half hour wandering before the cold began to choke us. It was worth the return.
Now I am super excited to see the falls in action again, but during the spring or summer when the vegetation is at it's best. And now I understand the cues to follow, rather than constantly driving out there to check and be disappointed.
Helpful Cues to observe:
I scour the internet at a constant rate in attempts to find different things to do in every city we encounter, and in every city we live. In the fall of 2017, we had heard about a nearby lake (about 6 miles out of the city limits) that has one of Kansas states prettiest waterfalls. Once the weather warmed up in the spring, we went in search of it, with no such luck.
You see, we have a kid that gets car sick. Often.
We had found the lake, no problem. But while driving on a winding dirt road that supposedly takes one towards this waterfall, our daughter's stomach wasn't having it.
A week later, we ditched our daughter at home (she's 13) and headed back. But that time around I had searched on Google earth and did a bit more research about the fall's where-abouts. I found a blog that somewhat explained where it was, and with a Google earth map, I was certain I had found an easier way to reach the waterfall.
After a short drive on a different road than the lake's primary access, we found ourselves at the edge of the lake. A quarter mile walk or so later, we finally find the falls area, but much to our dismay, absolutely no water was flowing! There were only a few puddles at the base of the falls with stagnant snake filled water.
To make a long story short, Geary Lake became our favorite chill spot over the summer of 2018. Every time we ventured that way, we'd stop and see if the waterfall was flowing. It never was. Summer ended. Fall was cold, wet and snowy.
While my sister-in-law was visiting last week, she asked what there was to do around here. "Not much" is our go-to answer. But while driving around town, we realized all of the rivers around here were pretty darn full thanks to a few days of steady rain. That's when we decided to brave the cold and see if the waterfall was in its full glory.
On a 25 degree, gray and overcast day, we drove out to the falls area. Muddy and slick, we carefully walked along the path. As we came closer, we could hear the sound of rushing water. And then we saw it: The waterfall was flowing!
Because I have been disappointed before, I left my beloved Nikon at home and was only equip with a cell phone.We wandered around the area for a few minutes then headed back to the car. We were frozen by the time we jumped in. The wind chill was terrible.
A few days later, my sister-in-law had returned home, but our friend from Colorado was now visiting. Oddly enough, the first time we ever tried finding the falls, he was with us. Though the weather was still freezing balls, the sun was shining and we decided to head back again, this time with the Nikon in hand. In just two days time, the falls had changed. Giant icicles hung from the top. Ice crystals had formed in the small pools at the base. With the sunlight at golden hour, the scene was sparkling and more than I hoped for.
We spent about a half hour wandering before the cold began to choke us. It was worth the return.
Now I am super excited to see the falls in action again, but during the spring or summer when the vegetation is at it's best. And now I understand the cues to follow, rather than constantly driving out there to check and be disappointed.
Helpful Cues to observe:
- If the local rivers are flowing and super high (no visible sediment/sand banks).
- If heavy rain occurred for more than one day in a row.
- If heavy snow is melting.
- If you find that Geary County lake is full to the brim, specifically from the State Lake Road access, chances are at their highest to see the falls.
- If the surrounding rocks edging the lake are not visible from the pathway to the falls, you are 99% in luck!
As for finding it, lots of folks give up or can't figure it out until a friend leads them to it.
Directions:
- From Junction City, take the 77 south to State Lake Road, turn right.
- The first left available you see, turn left. It's a dirt road through cattle gates.
- Go slow. On the second right dirt road turn off, ease right to follow it. This is the road LOCALS use with cars and regular, non-off road tires. We've never had in issue using the second dirt car path with our Dodge Caravan.
- You will find a dirt lot where there is an access gate that states "No Parking in Front of Gate" or something of that nature. You have arrived.
- Walk the path past the gate all the way down until you find a foot trail heading right into the trees and brush. Follow it.
- The foot path can be followed down to the base of the falls, and there's even a path that leads to the top of it. Paths are unmarked.
Note, the path down to the base is kind of steep, so good shoes are a must. I never wear hiking boots, my Converse work fine, but heels would break an ankle or neck. Also, because the falls only seem to be active after a good, long rain, your shoes are bound to get muddy with the walk.
The top view of the falls is awesome, but mind your little ones. It's quite a drop to the bottom.
The falls are 100% worth visiting if you're in the area and lucky enough to have a full lake, simultaneously. Because this waterfall is like a box of chocolates, I wouldn't suggest driving from a far away place just to see it alone.
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