Falls Creek Falls: One of Washington's Most Spectacular Waterfalls

Hiking to Falls Creek Falls in southern Washington is one of the best waterfall hikes on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, taking hikers through the lush forests of Gifford Pinchot National Forest to a stunning 335-foot, three-tiered waterfall. Located just north of Stevenson and the Columbia River, the Falls Creek Falls Trail is an incredibly scenic out-and-back that follows Falls Creek beneath towering Douglas firs and western red cedars, culminating at one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.

Trailhead elevation 1,412'

Water filterable throughout

Don't miss the unofficial spur trail leading to the top of the falls

Hiking to Falls Creek Falls

The Falls Creek Falls Trailhead is located at the end of a 2.5-mile gravel Forest Service road (NF-6052), approximately 20 miles north of Stevenson. While the road is heavily potholed, high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles are not required. Passenger cars can typically make the drive by taking it slow. The large trailhead parking area accommodates dozens of vehicles and rarely reaches capacity, even on busy weekends. A Northwest Forest Pass or day-use fee is required to park. Although a QR code at the trailhead allows hikers to purchase a pass on-site, cell service is unreliable, making it wise to purchase a pass before arriving.

The hike begins immediately beneath a towering canopy of Douglas firs and western red cedars, where hikers are immersed in the lush scenery that makes the Columbia River Gorge one of the Pacific Northwest's premier hiking destinations. Thick moss carpets the forest floor, sword ferns line the trail, and the constant roar of Falls Creek provides a soundtrack for nearly the entire journey.

The trail closely follows the creek, passing a seemingly endless series of small cascades that make this one of the most scenic waterfall hikes in the area long before reaching the main attraction.

At approximately 0.3 miles, the trail crosses a small wooden suspension bridge spanning Falls Creek, where it's easy to stop and admire the beautiful upstream and downstream views, as the crystal-clear water tumbles through a narrow, moss-covered gorge below.

Beyond the bridge, the trail continues its gradual climb through dense evergreen forest while paralleling the creek. At 1.3 miles, hikers reach a junction with the Falls Creek Falls #152A Trail. Turning left eventually leads to an overlook above the waterfall, but for the iconic viewpoint that has made the Falls Creek Falls Trail one of the most photographed hikes in the area, continue right.

The trail climbs a bit farther, crosses another bridge, and follows beneath a short section of moss-covered cliffs before the forest begins to open. Soon, Falls Creek Falls appears through a break in the trees, with Falls Creek rushing through a rocky gorge nearly 50 feet below. It's a breathtaking first glimpse of the tallest and most spectacular waterfall on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.

At 1.7 miles, the trail reaches Falls Creek Falls, where a large, boulder-filled viewing area gives hikers plenty of room to pause and soak in the scene. While it's stunning from nearly every angle, many hikers choose to make the short walk down to a flat shelf above the base of the falls. There, the roar of the water plunging into the narrow volcanic amphitheater grows louder, the cool mist fills the air, and the full power of the waterfall can truly be appreciated from up close. It's also a pretty great photo opportunity that gives a bit of scale to the falls.

Towering 335 feet over three distinct tiers, Falls Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, dwarfing nearby Panther Creek Falls and the incredibly photogenic Spirit Falls. Completing the postcard-worthy scene, towering cliffs of lichen-covered columnar basalt frame waterfall in classic Columbia River Gorge fashion. From the moment it comes into view, it's easy to understand why the hike is considered one of the premier waterfall hikes in the area.

For many hikers, the main viewing area marks the perfect ending. Those looking for a little more adventure, however, can continue along an unofficial, hiker-created path that begins on the left side of the viewpoint and climbs toward the top of the waterfall. The unmaintained route is steep, exposed, and potentially dangerous, with loose footing, unstable terrain, and significant drop-offs. It should only be attempted by experienced hikers who are comfortable navigating challenging conditions. About 100 yards up the path, a small opening provides an outstanding view of the 135-foot middle tier of the waterfall, offering a view that far fewer visitors experience.

Continuing another 100 yards or so leads to the end of the social trail and one final overlook. From there, hikers are rewarded with a unique view of the 109-foot upper tier of the waterfall, where the creek plunges over the cliff before continuing its dramatic drop.

The unofficial hiker-created trail ends at this overlook, so after soaking in the incredible views of the falls, hikers can simply retrace their steps back to the trailhead. Those looking to extend their hike can instead continue on the Falls Creek Falls Trail #152, reconnecting with the main trail near the 1.3-mile mark to turn the out-and-back into a loop. This option adds just over two miles to the hike and includes a scenic viewpoint overlooking the top of the falls. While the out-and-back route offers the most dramatic up-close views of the waterfall, the loop provides a quieter, longer hike for those wanting to explore more of the surrounding forest. No matter which route you choose, hiking to Falls Creek Falls is one of the most rewarding experiences in the Columbia River Gorge, combining stunning scenery with one of southern Washington's most impressive waterfalls.