I invite you to take a fairly difficult hike to Guatali Falls. You will be able to witness two waterfalls: Upper Guatali and Lower Guatali. I found Lower Guatali Falls quite spectacular. Once you are at the bottom looking up from the lower canyon area it is easy to be impressed. Photos don’t do it justice.
This hike begins with the trails at the end of Turner Road or the ATV trail just after you turn down the road to Mt. Alutom. I like parking around the entrance to the red dirt area here: 13.436373, 144.708411. Just don't block the path. Head south along the trails toward the NNW-bound ridgeline of Mount Tenjo. There is an ATV trail that takes you all the way to the ridgeline that ends about here: 13.42719167,144.70015556.
Begin walking NNW along the ridgeline. Try to find the faint trail just to the right side of the point of the ridgeline. Carefully descend and keep an eye out for the faint trail that takes you toward the left ridgeline. It is easy to want to veer right during the descent. Once you have hiked down most of the way, make your way to this Checkpoint 1: 13.43188667,144.69427500. This is an important point as veering right may add time and confusion to your hike. From there hike WSW toward to Checkpoint 2: 13.43110833,144.69290667. Approaching this point you will see a lone and prominent pandanus tree. Hike toward that and find the trail that crosses a deep ditch just to the left of the tree. After crossing the ditch you should find a small clearing and you should be at Checkpoint 2. This is the last stop before entering the river itself. This is the place to have a short rest, change into water shoes, put on shorts (or remove pant legs if you have convertibles). I also recommend applying bug spray at this time.
From here head straight to the river. If you are lucky you will find some sections of easier path, but mostly expect to plow through 8-10 foot sword grass. Once in the river turn left and carefully hike downstream. You will encounter a 3-foot step-down along the way. Soon you will encounter the top of Upper Guatali Falls here: 13.43001833,144.69181833. I think I accidentally left my black visor here so if you find it let me know! It’s a fairly easy descent down the natural steps of the falls. Continue down the river and encounter the top of Lower Guatali Falls here: 13.42971333,144.69169833. There is a ledge on the left side many like to lay on and look straight down. Take in the views! When you are ready to descend you will need to backtrack about 20 feet. While facing toward the top of Lower Guatali look to the left (East) around the side of the river walls and find the place to climb up. The closer one to the falls is the correct one, but there is another about ten feet further upstream that is usable if you are unable to climb the first one. There is a fairly prominent trail from there. Head away from the river about 50 feet and you should see the path make a right turn. It is steep, but this is the correct path. Carefully slide down the path. The steepest part has natural stone steps. Soon you will be deposited at the base of Lower Guatali. Now relax! You made it!
FTF gets an unregistered trackable Geocaching Travel Bug Marble.
Considerations: From the highest point at the ridgeline down to the bottom of Lower Guatali is about 850 feet difference in elevation. I expect it would take about 2.5 to 3 hours from parking to the cache. It took me 3.5 hours, but I was also exploring various routes in order to choose the best one to advise here. After the cache you will still need to hike back up and out. Please bring enough water, electrolytes and food. I recommend bug spray and a walking stick. A stick will help you navigate the river. I found it to be murky with an irregular bottom, difficult to find footing. Expect to be waist-deep at times. Have fun! For an added challenge check out The Guatali Challenge.
Congrats to blygoat, ColorfulCumulus, McJyvan, Chocoluver, Dinahlynn and C_x2 for FTF!!
*Thanks to photoseed and blygoat for venturing out and replacing the cache. Hint has been updated with photoseed's instructions.