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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a relatively easy hike for the casual hiker and worth every step of the 1.5 miles out for the waterfall at the end. Kids will easily take this hike in stride. The trail is good and well maintained, and there are only few and short moderately steep areas. The waterfall - well, realy a triple waterfall - at the end is worth the walk. This has to be one of the most spectacular falls in the Pacific Northwest. As you near the end of the hike and hear the falls - LOOK UP! You can only see the top stage of the falls from one point on the trail, and it's rather surreal seeing all that water apparently cascading out of the trees. Up close, the second stage is very powerful, and the third is a 100ft spout into a "punchbowl". On a hot day, the temperature at the end of the trail closest to the falls drops 8-10 degrees due to the mist. It's very refreshing, aside from the beauty of it all. Grace (11) and Dave (7) give this hike a double thumbs up! Trailhead: From the Oregon side of the Columbia, cross over at the Cascade Locks (small toll) and take the highway east toward Carson. Take the Wind River Highway (Hwy 30) North 15 miles to the junction with Forest Service Rd. 3062. Turn right headed east, drive 1.5 miles and turn right onto Forest Service Road 57. The trailhead is 1/4 mile up this road. This area is gated from December to April. (Lat:45.907 Lon:-121.94012) Trail Guides for Falls Creek Falls, 15 miles north of Carson, WA : Pacific Northwest Hiking 1000 Hikes in OR and WA by Ron C. Judd and Dan A. Nelsen (Avalon Travel Publishing) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Gifford Pinchot Nat. Frs., Wind River Info/Work Center, 509-427-3200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Steve Snyder, who has posted 13 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Lolita on 8/15/2008 This is the first time I've hiked this trail and the end was definitely worth it. I loved it! I want to recommend it to everyone but then again, I didn't see very many people on the trail and that was part of it's charm. 
Reviewed by JLJL on 7/22/2008 This was an excellent hike! We first hiked the upper falls trail to the top of the falls and carefully climbed down to the water's edge. On the way back, we cut over on the primitive trail to the lower falls trail and visited the lower falls because you can't see anything but the water hurling over the edge when you're at the top (which is beautiful unto itself!) After visiting the breathtaking view at the bottom of the falls we headed back up the primitive trail and back to the upper falls parking lot. Since I'm not in that great of shape, this was a "one step at a time" circuit. But it was worth it! :-) Beautiful falls!
Reviewed by Greg on 10/25/2007 My wife and I just hiked this trail on 10/24/07 and loved it. I highly reccommend going this time of year, with the fall foliage combined with the mossy green on the rocks and light visitor use, its a gem. Bring a camera!
Reviewed by LB on 9/13/2007 The first mile was easy, but the second was a little harder but well worth the hike!!!! i would say it is the most beautiful waterfall i have ever seen. another great one is panther creek falls same area i highly recomend it. both amazing!
Reviewed by Joan on 10/30/2006 I've hiked this several times and still believe it is one of the best. However, we met mountain bikers this time and I don't think it is a good bike trail (too many hikers and trail too narrow). Trail is well maintained. The last mile is tough if you're not in good shape, but always worth it when you stop for lunch at the falls. Plenty of water even at the end of October.
Reviewed by DP on 10/22/2006 Excellent any time of year. Spring brings lots of water over the falls. There is a side trail up to the top of the ridge that the creek drops over. You can snowshoe in the winter, but must start at the paved road.
Reviewed by Pirates 3.5 on 8/11/2006 Wonderful hike enjoyed by our whole family, including the 4 y/o. Spectacular waterfall, had lunch there, saw relatively few other people on the trail that day. Easy hike. Ate huckleberries most of the hike, lots this year. This is one of our favorites!!!
Reviewed by KMM on 7/11/2006 FOR LITTLE EFFORT YOU GET SOME REAL EYE POPPING SCENARY,BEST HIKED IN THE SPRING OR SUMMER,IM NOT SURE ABOUT FALL,HAVENT BEEN THERE THEN BUT I IMAGINE IT WOULD BE FINE ACTUALLY PROBABLY SOME ADDED COLOR FROM THE SURROUNDING FOILAGE Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Skamania County Hiking, Skamania County Trails, Skamania County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||