Falls Creek Falls Trail Condition Report
- tmschales
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
Columbia River Gorge, Washington
Parking Pass Needed: Northwest Forest Pass (options to purchase day pass at the trailhead)
Date of Visit: 4/22/2025
Distance: 4 miles total for out & back
Elevation Gain: 715ft
Potential Concerns: 3 downed trees, landslide/steep down areas, one short watercrossing, rough road
Trailhead Amenities: Pit Toilet
FLOWING! Probably the most flow I’ve seen there- spectacular!
Trillium, Pacific Bleeding Hearts, and Oregon Anemone blooming
For the most part, the trail is really wide, there are a few sections that are more narrow and have a steep drop off toward the river. I did not see any poison oak. The downed trees were all manageable for me (take your time, pass your pack over before you go over if you need to). There is one short water crossing that is flowing pretty good right now, but has rocks strategically placed to help you get through dry.
PRO TIP: Take your pack off if you need to; transfer it across to the other side & then transfer yourself if you feel like the weight of it is impairing your flexibility or throwing you off balance. If you use this method just be sure you can place your pack on the other side without it rolling downhill.
You’ll have a few bridge crossings, they were in good shape.
The forest road wasn’t as bad as the last time I visited, but there are still a lot of potholes and some narrow areas that can be tricky for passing oncoming vehicles. There are several pullouts, and I made it through in a low clearance vehicle without any trouble.
*If this is your first time on this hike: Don’t stop at the bridge when you first see the waterfall. Go about 0.2 miles further. A lot of people say this is it! And turn home.. its not it, its really close though!
Get out there and enjoy our majestical USFS lands.
I hope you find this helpful, and if you do please consider donating toward my goal of removing financial barriers and providing complete head-toe gear, permitting, and guiding for humans that would otherwise not be able to enjoy our outdoor areas.
Even $1 helps us reach this goal!
Happy Trails,
Trish
Welcome!
I've started these reports because the loss of funding and staffing for USFS and other agencies in Oregon & the Pacific Northwest will result in reduction of trail maintenance, and I am concerned for public safety with poor trail conditions. This is my "What can I do to help people stay safe?" solution.
These reports are a tool to use in conjunction with maps, weather forecasts, and wildfire maps- they are not all inclusive and please note that trail conditions are apt to change rapidly (And I cannot be liable for conditions that have changed after my visits).
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