We needed something that would get us back home before dark and hopefully avoid the rain in the forecast.  As I was down at the bottom of the state, we thought we would try something off the Columbia Gorge so we could visit the Walking Man Brewery in the town of Stevenson.  Priorities...

My good friend Elizabeth has the book, Curious Gorge Hiking Guidebook, and we found this delightful waterfall stroll to spend a few hours on.  It was just the right length and even offered a bit of scrambling to keep things "sporty" as my other good hiking buddy, Elle, would say.  If you live in the upper half of the state and have visited the Wallace Falls State Park, this trail is quite similar in design.

To reach the first and largest tier, you follow the creek along as it gently gains elevation, crossing two unique bridges.  The distance is 1.7 miles and the lower tier makes a great destination with kids and pups and only about 550 feet of gain.  If you aren't looking for that much adventure, return back the way you came from this point after enjoying the rushing water cascading over the moss covered basalt.

From here, the trail continues but it is no longer easy and gentle but a scrambling boot path that will require using your hands in many places as it weaves between rocks and trees to gain access to the middle and upper falls.

 To make the loop after the upper falls, you have to ascend steeply on a "root gully" and scramble up to where the creek begins its descent into the waterfall.  Not for the faint of heart and much care should be taken when things are wet.  We took our time and made sure we had secure foot and handholds.

Each new tier was more stunning than the last and to finally reach the top at another 250 feet was well earned.  It was interesting to watch the water spill over to create the veils we had been admiring as we climbed up the slope.

From here, the trail gains just 80 more feet to reach the main trail and a viewpoint overlooking the valley with Sister Rocks and Observation Point off in the distance.

The trail descends from the plateau at an easy grade dropping you back down 850 feet in elevation along the creek and back out to the parking lot in another 3 miles for a total of 5 for the loop.

For more pictures, video and GAIA, link below.

Fall colors are coming in. Beautiful fall hike, falls are great lunch spot. Mountain bikers may be on upper loop.

Great Independence Day hike on the Falls Creek Falls loop. We took the lower trail (152A) to the waterfall, then connected up to the upper trail (152) to the viewpoints just east of the upper junction. Then back to the trailhead on upper trail 152. Lots of people on the lower trail, upper trail busy with mountain bikers.

Two notes about the trailhead. The forest road has deteriorated since our last visit to the point that a low-clearance vehicle now has a pretty difficult time reaching the trailhead with the potholes. Also, the forest service website mentions that a fee is required, but at the trailhead a sign has been posted that reports no parking fee is required. 

Quick stop by Panther Creek Falls first - totally worth the 15mi/30min detour while you are headed for Falls Creek Falls.

The trail down to Panther Creek was hard to see, but you can still see a faint chalk paint mark on the road put there by a good samaritans. Quick trip down the trail, but watch for tree roots in your path. The viewing area is beautiful, and I wasn't surprised to see a bridal party following us down - a great place for some pictures.

We only did the path down to the top viewing area. We skipped the lower part, and headed over to Falls Creek Falls.

And oh jeez, those potholes! 

You don't need a high clearance vehicle... but I could see where it would have been nice. We made it just fine in my VW Jetta, but had to take it slow. (Most) other drivers were nice about it, and would take turns pausing on tight areas. 

Falls Creek Falls

Definitely one of my favorite hikes - I love a good running water feature, and trails that follow along creeks is my definition of a good trail! We parked at the Falls Creek Falls Trailhead (not to be confused with the Falls Creek Trailhead - although either road makes it to the falls). 

We took trail 152A up to the base of the falls, then took 152 back. Although, when I do this trail again, I think I'd like to come back on 152A again. Or, do 152 first then come back on 152A. 

152 was good - you've got a lovely forest to walk through. But 152A followed the creek, and I love that! Better to save the better part of the trail for last in my opinion. 

Also - I checked the box for wildflowers, because the Dogwoods were in bloom! These can be overlooked flowers, but I rather enjoy them. 

A short and sweet hike with an impressive waterfall at the end! The road to the trailhead had many potholes, but we made it by going slowly and carefully. Bathroom at the trailhead, and some other cars and even a school bus! Sometimes I find it comforting to pass others along the trail. We did have the waterfall to ourselves, also nice! Some nice bridges and well maintained trail. The river was rushing - though one part was calm enough to walk down to for my dog to step in and get a drink. A beautiful day! We got lunch in Stevenson on the way back - Big T’s Grill is great! Beautiful setting on the river, outdoor seating that allows my dog to join us, and great prices. We even had time and energy to hike Beacon Rock on the way home! Happy hiking!