Exploring the Beauty of Falls Creek Falls in Washington State

Looking for a stunning waterfall hike in Washington State? Falls Creek Falls in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a must-see while you’re in the Pacific Northwest.

This Washington State waterfall has been on my travel wish list for years and I’m happy to share that it lives up to the hype! In fact, it’s one of the prettiest waterfalls I’ve ever seen (just behind Nauyaca Waterfalls in Costa Rica and Skogafoss in Iceland).

Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Falls Creek Falls, packed with practical tips, detailed trail info, and everything else you need for an epic adventure.

 

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Falls Creek Falls Hiking Stats:

• Distance: 3.4 miles out and back via Trail #152A; 6.1 mile loop via Trail #152
• Elevation gain: 750 – 2,362 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate (challenging if you do the loop)
• Hike: 2 hours out-and-back
• Parking fee: $5 per car
• Best time for photography: Early – mid morning
• Toilet: At the trailhead

Getting There: Trailhead and Parking

The drive to Falls Creek Falls can be a bit of an adventure itself. The gravel road leading to the trailhead is long and bumpy.

There are a few big potholes, including one that spans the width of the road and could be a problem if it fills with water. Low clearance cars will have to take extra care to avoid getting stuck. I would recommend a high clearance 4×4 during the spring and winter, or after a heavy rain.

Heads up: There’s no cell service in this area, so make sure you download offline Google Maps before you get there!

 

Once you get there, the parking area is pretty big with room for a lot of cars. However, this is a popular hike so it’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends during the summer.

The day-use fee is $5 per car, which you can pay at the trailhead. Unfortunately, you can’t use your Discover Pass here because they’re not valid on public lands.

Update: There are recent reports that the road to Falls Creek Falls was fixed and there are no more giant potholes (for the time being). I recommend checking reports on US Forest Service (.gov) and AllTrails for the most recent road conditions and closures.

The Hike to Lower Falls Creek Falls, Washington

The trail to Falls Creek Falls in Washington State is well marked and easy to follow. The hike can be done as an out-and-back to lower Falls Creek Falls or as a loop, with a total distance ranging from 3.4 to 6 miles depending on your route.

For a straightforward out-and-back hike, stick to Trail #152A, which is about 1.5 miles each way to the base of the falls.

The hike starts out as an easy walk through a lush forest along along Falls Creek before it starts to climb.

You’ll encounter a small waterfall and two cool bridges along the way. The first bridge looks a bit sketchy but is stable – I promise. The second is a cable suspension bridge that spans a rocky gorge. It’s a great spot for photos, so have your camera ready!

After the halfway mark, the trail gradually ascends through switchbacks, becoming rockier and steeper as you approach the falls.

Parts of the trail get pretty narrow, while other parts are washed out and tightly hug the side of the cliff. It’s not scary but if you don’t like heights or you are unsteady on your feet, then you might prefer to bring a pair walking poles for balance.

When you reach the junction, stay right on Trail #152A to reach the falls. You’ll know you’re close when you catch a glimpse of the upper falls through the trees.

The total elevation gain is around 750 feet, with the highest point being around 2,362 feet if you choose to do the full loop.

At the Falls

You’ll hear Falls Creek Falls long before you see it, but your jaw will drop once you actually get there.

Falls Creek Falls is one of Southern Washington’s highest waterfalls. It drops in three tiers, totaling 335 feet. The first tier is a stunning 109-foot fan, followed by a 135-foot drop split into several segments, and a final 91-foot plunge into a narrow gorge.

You can view the falls from the main trail or climb down a short herd path to get a closer look at the lower falls.

Be careful though—the rocks can be really slippery! Good hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are a must, especially if you want to get those epic photos.

If you visit during high water, be prepared for a bit of a spray as you get closer to the base.

Extend your hike (Falls Creek Falls Loop Hike)

If you want to extend your hike, you can make a loop by walking back the way you came until you reach the junction to Falls Creek Trail #152.

This trail climbs steeply to a second junction. Turn right to reach the upper overlooks of the waterfall and surrounding area. Then, hike back the way you came to get back down to Trail #152A, or continue straight on Trail #152 to get back to the parking area and complete the loop.

Taking the loop will essentially double your elevation gain and hike time. We personally chose not to take this route because I heard it wasn’t worth the extra time and effort. But if you’re not ready to leave yet and want to explore further, this would be a good addition to your Falls Creek Falls hike.

Tips for Your Visit

• Get There Early: The trail gets busy. Arriving early means fewer people and you might even get the falls to yourself! We were there between 9 and 10:30 AM on a Saturday in mid-May and had the place to ourselves. The trail started to really fill up on our hike out around 11AM.
• Use Hiking Poles: Parts of the trail are narrow and steep. Poles can help if you’re unsteady or scared of heights.
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on a leash. We saw many on the trail.
• Look for Wildlife: Keep an eye out for Western Tanagers and other local birds.
• Bring a Rain Jacket: There’s a lot of spray that comes off the falls, so texpect to get wet if you climb down toward the base.

Practical Advice

• Trail Difficulty: The hike ranges from easy to moderate, with a mix of flat sections and more challenging inclines.
• Facilities: There’s one toilet at the trailhead.
• Fees: A $5 day-use fee is required per car. Discover Passes are not valid here.

Falls Creek Falls is a gem in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and is a must see in the Pacific Northwest USA. So, lace up your boots, grab your camera, and enjoy one of the best waterfalls in Washington.

Happy hiking!