 Proxy Falls Trail leads to two waterfalls - Lower Falls and Upper Falls. The two waterfalls can be reached by following a fairly easy one-mile long one-way trail. In the autumn, the temperature was on the cool side in the morning. Despite ho hum fall foliage on the highway to Proxy Falls, the trail was ablaze with colors primarily from vine maples. The colors were particularly vibrant thanks to the deep contrast with the lava bed.
 The Lower Proxy Falls is quite impressive with water dropping some 200 ft over basalt columns that are covered in thick green moss. Yellow/orange leaf colors during autumn makes the view even more impressive. The end of the trail provides a wonderful view of the entire falls. By venturing down steep hills beyond the maintained trail, one can get to closer views of the base of the falls where better compositions can be made that includes more details of water flowing over basalt rock columns. One would need to be cautious of slippery rocks when negotiating the creek. I was fortunate to be at the falls during intermittent rains and was able to take pictures under overcast conditions and not having the deal with the harsh light contrast during sunny weather.
 By following the main trail another quarter mile or so, one reaches the fork to the Upper Proxy Falls, which is an impressive cascade of water tumbling over basalt rocks. At the base of the cascade is a pool where the water drains underground most of the year. With short climbs above the pool, there are good compositions of the cascades. And by climbing up the cascade side, there are better close up views of mossy rocks.
For both falls, close-up compositions are more unique due to the mossy lava rocks that water tumbles over. The pool at the Upper Proxy Falls also offers interesting shots of reflections. For Lower Proxy Falls, early morning would be best without harsh sunlight hitting the falls.
Take the time on the trail. There are things one might miss such as this tiny red mushroom on the trail to the lower falls.
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