by Phil » Tue Apr 12, 2016 3:05 pm
I suppose with your knees that cross-country is out of the question? If it is, then Glen Aulin via Soda Springs is still the easiest and best route. The thing is that Waterwheel is still only going to be doing its thing until maybe the end of June-ish....not peak, but still a waterwheel. Go earlier to enjoy it. Glen Aulin is no doubt packed with reserved slots, but there's always the 40% walk-ups in the quota. The better option is probably to get your permit for Glen Aulin>Waterwheel Falls on a pass-through (that's what to ask for, specifically). If you can't find a more secluded spot along the river up higher, but past Glen Aulin, once you drop down the hill, and before the bridge, there are some trailside campsites on the flat area by Return Creek.
I honestly don't think that El Nino is going to necessarily lengthen the best viewing much longer than it usually does. It'll most likely just make the peak flow period that much more spectacular.
It probably isn't going to help you out much on distance or effort, but if you can't get a reservation, get to the park and find all the walk-ups gone, and still want to see the falls, Murphy Creek is another entry that'll get you to where you're going.