Climbing to Falls Creek Falls in southern Washington is among the greatest waterfall hikes on the Washington aspect of the Columbia River Gorge, taking hikers by the plush forests of Gifford Pinchot Nationwide Forest to a shocking 335-foot, three-tiered waterfall. Positioned simply north of Stevenson and the Columbia River, the Falls Creek Falls Path is an extremely scenic out-and-back that follows Falls Creek beneath towering Douglas firs and western crimson cedars, culminating at one of many tallest and most lovely waterfalls within the Columbia River Gorge.
Trailhead elevation 1,412′
Water filterable all through
Do not miss the unofficial spur path resulting in the highest of the falls
Climbing to Falls Creek Falls
The Falls Creek Falls Trailhead is positioned on the finish of a 2.5-mile gravel Forest Service street (NF-6052), roughly 20 miles north of Stevenson. Whereas the street is closely potholed, high-clearance or four-wheel drive autos will not be required. Passenger automobiles can sometimes make the drive by taking it gradual. The big trailhead parking space accommodates dozens of autos and barely reaches capability, even on busy weekends. A Northwest Forest Go or day-use price is required to park. Though a QR code on the trailhead permits hikers to buy a move on-site, cell service is unreliable, making it smart to buy a move earlier than arriving.
The hike begins instantly beneath a towering cover of Douglas firs and western crimson cedars, the place hikers are immersed within the lush surroundings that makes the Columbia River Gorge one of many Pacific Northwest’s premier climbing locations. Thick moss carpets the forest flooring, sword ferns line the path, and the fixed roar of Falls Creek offers a soundtrack for practically your entire journey.
The path carefully follows the creek, passing a seemingly limitless sequence of small cascades that make this one of the scenic waterfall hikes within the space lengthy earlier than reaching the principle attraction.
At roughly 0.3 miles, the path crosses a small wood suspension bridge spanning Falls Creek, the place it is simple to cease and admire the gorgeous upstream and downstream views, because the crystal-clear water tumbles by a slim, moss-covered gorge under.
Past the bridge, the path continues its gradual climb by dense evergreen forest whereas paralleling the creek. At 1.3 miles, hikers attain a junction with the Falls Creek Falls #152A Path. Turning left ultimately results in an overlook above the waterfall, however for the enduring viewpoint that has made the Falls Creek Falls Path one of the photographed hikes within the space, proceed proper.
The path climbs a bit farther, crosses one other bridge, and follows beneath a brief part of moss-covered cliffs earlier than the forest begins to open. Quickly, Falls Creek Falls seems by a break within the timber, with Falls Creek speeding by a rocky gorge practically 50 toes under. It is a breathtaking first glimpse of the tallest and most spectacular waterfall on the Washington aspect of the Columbia River Gorge.
At 1.7 miles, the path reaches Falls Creek Falls, the place a big, boulder-filled viewing space provides hikers loads of room to pause and soak within the scene. Whereas it is gorgeous from practically each angle, many hikers select to make the brief stroll right down to a flat shelf above the bottom of the falls. There, the roar of the water plunging into the slim volcanic amphitheater grows louder, the cool mist fills the air, and the total energy of the waterfall can actually be appreciated from up shut. It is also a reasonably nice photograph alternative that provides a little bit of scale to the falls.
Towering 335 toes over three distinct tiers, Falls Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall on the Washington aspect of the Columbia River Gorge, dwarfing close by Panther Creek Falls and the extremely photogenic Spirit Falls. Finishing the postcard-worthy scene, towering cliffs of lichen-covered columnar basalt body waterfall in basic Columbia River Gorge vogue. From the second it comes into view, it is simple to know why the hike is taken into account one of many premier waterfall hikes within the space.
For a lot of hikers, the principle viewing space marks the right ending. These on the lookout for somewhat extra journey, nevertheless, can proceed alongside an unofficial, hiker-created path that begins on the left aspect of the point of view and climbs towards the highest of the waterfall. The unmaintained route is steep, uncovered, and doubtlessly harmful, with unfastened footing, unstable terrain, and vital drop-offs. It ought to solely be tried by skilled hikers who’re snug navigating difficult circumstances. About 100 yards up the trail, a small opening offers an impressive view of the 135-foot center tier of the waterfall, providing a view that far fewer guests expertise.
Persevering with one other 100 yards or so results in the tip of the social path and one ultimate overlook. From there, hikers are rewarded with a novel view of the 109-foot higher tier of the waterfall, the place the creek plunges over the cliff earlier than persevering with its dramatic drop.
The unofficial hiker-created path ends at this overlook, so after soaking within the unbelievable views of the falls, hikers can merely retrace their steps again to the trailhead. These seeking to prolong their hike can as an alternative proceed on the Falls Creek Falls Path #152, reconnecting with the principle path close to the 1.3-mile mark to show the out-and-back right into a loop. This selection provides simply over two miles to the hike and features a scenic viewpoint overlooking the highest of the falls. Whereas the out-and-back route gives probably the most dramatic up-close views of the waterfall, the loop offers a quieter, longer hike for these desirous to discover extra of the encircling forest. Regardless of which route you select, climbing to Falls Creek Falls is among the most rewarding experiences within the Columbia River Gorge, combining gorgeous surroundings with one in every of southern Washington’s most spectacular waterfalls.
