Lower Falls Creek Falls
The Falls Creek Falls trail is an easy yet still exciting hike for the whole family. Typically accessible year round, the trail meanders along Falls Creek through about a mile and a half of managed forest before crossing the creek at a remarkable suspension bridge. Located in the Wind River Recreation Area in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Hike of the Week:
January 7, 2008
- Lower Falls Creek Falls in the South Cascades' Wind River area is a wonderful year-round destination for the whole family. Photo by John Hultquist.
Location: Wind River Recreation Area, north of Carson, WA in the Mt. Adams Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 1300 – 2100 ft.
Map: Green Trails Wind River #397
Why Go?
The Falls Creek Falls trail is an easy yet still exciting hike for the whole family. Typically accessible year round, the trail meanders along Falls Creek through about a mile and a half of managed forest before crossing the creek at a remarkable suspension bridge. This point offers views of the narrow creek canyon and rushing water below.
As you proceed up trail from this point, you will follow along a side slope which offers more expansive views of the creek and rock formations along the opposite side. At the end of the trail is lower Falls Creek Falls – a three tiered waterfall which drops nearly 250 feet into an amazing, moss-covered pool below the viewpoint.
The falls are most impressive in fall, winter and spring when rainfall and snow melt are at their peak. However, the summer months offer the most forgiving weather and biggest respite from the heat as the viewpoint is continuously sprayed with mist – not necessarily the most fun in super cold conditions.
The trail was first constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is now managed and maintained by the Mt. Adams Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest – along with many hours of volunteer service by groups like the Washington Trails Association. While you’re there, check out the handy cribbing structures put in place by WTA volunteers just last summer!
Finally, whatever time of year you go, don’t forget that you have a couple of options nearby to warm yourself up when you’re done with your hike – Carson Hot Springs and the Bonneville Hot Springs. Now that’s the way to end a hike.
For More Information:
Mt. Adams Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest (509) 395-3400
Directions:
From I-5 or I-205 bridge drive east on Highway 14 out of Vancouver, WA to just past Mile Post 47 turning left (north) going toward Carson, WA. Continue north on the Wind River Road, approx 14.5 past the Stabler Country Store and the Carson National Fish Hatchery, making the first right turn staying on the Wind River Road for about .75 miles. Then turn right onto FSR 3062 and continue approximately 1.5 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.
