Falls Creek Falls Loop Hike

Falls Creek Falls Loop Hike Washington

The Falls Creek Falls Loop hike, Trail #152 through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest leads to a 220-foot, three-tiered waterfall. It is located 16 miles north of Carson, Washington off Wind River Highway. Falls Creek Falls is one among the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in southern Washington.

The trail to Falls Creek Falls is well maintained with a few short moderately steep areas. The trail hugs the creek for the first mile, and takes you through old growth trees for the second mile. Once the falls are in sight, make sure to stop and look up to see the top tier through the trees. It's not visible otherwise. The trail ends with an impressive view of the middle and lower tier.

·         Start point: Falls Creek Falls Trailhead

·         End point: Falls Creek Falls

·         Trail Log: Trail Log

·         Hike Type: Loop

·         Distance: 6.2 miles round trip

·         Elevation gain: 1150 feet

·         Difficulty: Moderate

If you're feeling adventurous and don't mind the spray from the falls, scramble to the small ledge below for a different perspective and photo op. Back at the top, you can get to the base of the middle tier, over the giant rocks, under some fallen trees, and up a steep path of loose dirt and exposed roots. It requires a little more skill, but so worth it.

Keep in mind that the NF 3062 road is closed in winter from Dec 1st - April 1st, so if you go during that time, add an extra 2 miles to the hike. This makes the total hike 8.6 miles from the gate.

This excellent little hike begins off Forest Road NF #057. The trail is gentle and well used. The lower trail begins along the south side of the creek in a young forest of Douglas-fir. About 100 yards from the trailhead, bear right at the junction marked for Falls Creek Falls; the left-hand trail marked for the horse camp will be your return route on the loop.  You will climb a bit at first and then in about a half mile you will come to a unique suspension bridge that spans Falls Creek.

Directions to Falls Creek Falls Trial-Head: 

From Portland, travel east on Interstate Hwy 84 to Exit 44 to Cascade Locks. Exit the freeway and cross over the Columbia River into Washington via the Bridge of the Gods. Then turn right, or east, and head east through Stevenson, Washington to the intersection of the Wind River Highway to Carson, Washington. Bear left onto the Wind River Highway which will take you through Carson, Washington.