Waterfall Lovers

#1 | Dougan Falls

The pool at the base of Dougan Falls is one of several natural swimming holes along the Washougal River, which flows through a forested canyon on its way to the Columbia River. Motorized boats are not allowed on the Washougal, making it ideal for a peaceful day of swimming, wading, or floating. Water levels will be highest from late fall until spring. By late summer, the current becomes more sedate and the banks wider. Driving east from Washougal towards Stevenson along Highway 14, turn north on Salmon Falls Road (10 miles west of Bridge of the Gods or 3 miles east of Cape Horn) and follow it for 3 miles to Washougal River Road. Turn right and follow Washougal River Road for 5 miles to Dougan Falls at the end of the pavement.

#2 | Curly Creek Falls

After the long and winding drive to this point, the small sign pointing to Curly Creek Falls feels like a beacon to take a break. But it is better than just a rest stop. Despite its modest size, the natural arch that has been formed between the tiers of its 50- to 75-foot drop puts Curly Creek Falls on everyone’s must-see list.

Travel north of Carson Highway 30 and follow the signs for Curly Creek Road. Turn left on Forest Road No. 9039, which turns to gravel. There is a one-lane bridge and a parking area at the bottom of the hill. The unmarked trailhead is on the left side of the road, just after crossing the bridge.

#3 | Falls Creek Falls

A pleasant 1.7 mile hike ends in a classic fantasy setting … a clearing surrounded by trees, dominated by a 250-foot waterfall with three tiers. Falls Creek Falls is one of the elite natural attractions in the Pacific Northwest. It starts with the thundering roar that can be heard several minutes before reaching the waterfall. Trail is flat and safe for children, under close supervision. Flat rocks and open space make a phenomenal setting for a picnic.

Take State Highway 14 east to Carson. Go through the town and continue north on Wind River Road No. 30, past Panther Creek to Forest Road No. 32062-057. Turn right and follow the signs to Lower Falls Creek Trail No. 152A.

#4 | Panther Creek Falls

This hidden spectacle, not far from Falls Creek Falls, is a segmented wonder at the intersection of Panther and Big Creeks. Meaning it looks like several distinct waterfalls, 50 to 75 feet in height, all pouring into the same basin. Tricky to find but definitely worth the trek. The trail is short and easy leading to an observation deck.

North of Carson, on Wind River Road No. 30, take a right onto the northernmost (or second) entrance to Old State Road. Almost immediately, take a left (north) onto Panther Creek Road No. 65. At 7.4 miles up, there is an unmarked turnout on the right hand side, at the base of a hill covered with medium-sized rocks. Park there and then walk back down the hill about 100 yards to an unmarked gravel path on the other side of the road.

#5 | Lower Lewis River Falls

Almost as dynamic as Fall Creek Falls, only with a much shorter hike, swimming and wading areas and public park amenities such as restrooms. Water crashes over a broad expanse of the Lewis River in an especially scenic block form. Some believe these falls are even more beautiful than Multnomah Falls.

From Highway 30, take the Curly Creek cutoff and turn north on Lewis River Road No. 90. Follow the signs to the Lewis River Campground.