The temperature is dropping and the leaves are starting to turn color here in Skamania County, which makes this the perfect time of year to check out all of our beautiful waterfalls! An added bonus? Permits are no longer required along the waterfall corridor on 1-84 so grab the kids, hop in the car and take a scenic drive on your way to visit us in Skamania County! With close to 100 waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, the options are truly endless! But, did you know that Skamania County is home to 15 waterfalls? Keep reading to learn more about our 5 favorite waterfalls in Skamania County!
Panther Creek Falls
Length: 0.16 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Highest Point: 1800 feet
Difficulty: Easy
This is a very short, hiker-only trail and there is not much signage, so keep an eye out as you approach this trail. What makes this hike memorable is not only the viewing deck for the falls, but the falls themselves. Panther Creek Falls is considered one of the most unique and complex falls located in the Columbia River Gorge! Please be aware that the trail drops right off the road just across the street from the parking area on Forest Road 65 and be sure to stay on the trail and the designated viewing deck, it’s where you’ll get the best photos anyway!
Lewis River Falls (Upper, Lower, Middle)
Length: 8.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 450 feet
Highest Point: 1300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
When you arrive at Lewis River Falls, you feel like you are in another world with giant cedars, rushing water and the moss covered forest all around. Be sure to bring the whole family, furry family members included!
The Lower Lewis River Falls are truly breathtaking. At 43 feet high and 200 feet across, they are much bigger in person than you might expect. Don’t worry, there are several viewpoints to capture these magnificent falls!
You can reach the Middle Lewis River Falls only about a mile and a half from the Lower Falls. This area of the river is very clear and you’ll be able to see the volcanic nature of the bedrock.
If you continue, you’ll soon reach the Upper Lewis River Falls, which are 58 feet high and 175 feet across. Don’t forget to pack a lunch and a camera for the Upper Lewis River Falls!
Falls Creek Falls
Length: 2.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 750 feet
Highest Point: 2920 feet
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Our next favorite waterfall is also a popular Skamania County hike due to its beautiful three-tiered waterfall! This hike is family-friendly, considered easy and is only a 3.4 mile loop!
Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Falls Creek Falls, gently starts along a creek, winds through an old growth forest and ends at a breathtaking multi-tiered waterfall. Only gaining 750 feet in elevation, the close up view of the waterfall at the end is unforgettable! Dogs can be off leash and there are no permits required.
Pack a snack, the kids and your dog and head out to explore one of Skamania County’s highest waterfalls!
Big Creek Falls
Length: 1.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 291 feet
Highest Point: 1824 feet
Difficulty: Easy
A fun fact about Big Creek Falls is that it is open year-round! This 1.4 mile hike, located near Stevenson, Washington, is worth checking out any season of the year!
Don’t let the leisurely hike on an old logging road fool you into thinking the waterfall won’t be impressive, because it is! The falls plunge 125 feet into a steep canyon but don’t worry, you can get full shots of the beautiful waterfall from the viewing deck.
McLellan Falls
Length: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 71m
Highest Point: 140 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Not only is this considered a pretty easy hike, but it’s also one of the quietest. You’ll see way more water than people on this less than a mile hike that takes about 30 minutes on average to complete. McClellan Falls is actually the major waterfall on Curly Creek, not far from Swift Reservoir.
Ready to come out and see waterfalls? Download our new waterfall map now!
Stevenson, Washington is the perfect basecamp for all of your hiking and Gorge adventures! With world-class kiteboarding, award-winning breweries and exquisite local fare, there are endless things to do once you arrive in Stevenson! And that’s just in town 🙂 Staying in the Gorge HQ means you’re only minutes from hikes, wineries, waterfalls, scenic drives, fishing, golfing and SO MUCH MORE! Book your trip now!
