access is prohibited higher up on the roadbed due to Alpine Lakes Wilderness restrictions.

[6] Upon exiting the lake, the river drops over a headwall as it makes its way toward the bottom of Camp Robber Valley.

Flowing north, the East Fork is joined by several unnamed tributaries.

Great Falls Creek, which drains tiny Tumwater Lake, joins from the west.

A major tributary is Happy Thought Creek, which drains small Cleveland Lake.