The Trail to Brandy Creek Falls follows an old logging road from the 1950s. Remnant skid trails and sections of abandoned roads from the logging era were found throughout the watershed. Now, these trails are closed due to the extensive damage from the Carr Fire in 2018 and the winter rains that followed.

Because of the steep hillsides, erosive soil, and heavy precipitation found in the Brandy Creek drainage, periodic debris flows can occur. Some of these debris flows occur naturally, while others result from the failure of old logging roads and now fire destruction. Tens of thousands of cubic yards of rock, soil, and forest may tumble down the canyon. These are dramatic events that occur typically during heavy rain storms in the winter months.

The most recent series of debris flows occurred in the winter of 1997/1998 and during the 2018/2019 heavy winter rains following the Carr Fire. At the first bridge crossing on the Brandy Creek Falls Trail, the stream channel was totally transformed as a ten-foot high wall of boulders, mud, and fallen trees poured down the canyon. Previous to Carr Fire in 2018, alders and willows had grown back over the scarred area, returning shade to the stream waters that feature cold, deep pools that are home to rainbow trout, tailed frogs, and pacific giant salamanders.

Five small cascades and pools sweep down across the polished granite between the lovely Lower Falls and the magnificent 50-foot high Upper Falls. Upper Brandy Creek Falls plunge in a unique split formation through the steep vertical walls. In the spring, the umbrella-leafed indian rhubarb is one of the first flowers to appear, displaying an array of brilliant pink blossoms. In the fall, the leaves of the indian rhubarb turn a bright orange color.