Fall Creek Falls Trail - June 2003

On June 14 we celebrated Fathers Day by visiting Falls Creek Falls in Washington State's Gifford-Pinchot National Forest. A brief article in the local paper described the falls as equal to many in Oregon. We knew that Oregon has some of the best waterfalls in the country, so we had to check this out.

Yes, it was definitely worth the trip - see for yourself!

As the map shows, drive east on Route 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia River. We recommend crossing at I-205 so you can catch the view at Cape Horn. On a clear October day you can see forever, but this was a cloudy day in June, so we took no pictures.

Turn left off route 14 to Carson, home of the St. Martin's Hotel and Hot Springs. Please spend several hours here, "taking the waters" late 19th century style and enjoying a massage. It's circled on the map.

We've been to the hot springs, so we contined north on Route 30, following the winding Wind River. The dirt road to the traihead is plainly signed. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.

Each thumbnail picture links to a 70-100K enlargement.

	As you can see, the trail is easy to walk and passes through a beautiful part of the forest.
	Falls Creek is a good-sized creek, so this trail bridge makes crossing it a snap.
	The creek rushes through moss-covered logs and rocks as if still excited by the wild ride just upstream.
	Here's the first glimpse of the falls. You can hear it long before you see it. Suddenly the trail makes a sharp bend and lays this view before you!
	All the pictures I've seen of the falls on the web, and there aren't that many, are variations on this theme. And why not? It's breath-takingly beautiful.
	Stepping back lets you take in the falls and the magnificent setting.
	The last drop is over 100 feet from rim to pool. The viewpoint is not enclosed, so care is required unless you want to get up close and personal with the plunge pool.
	Another view of Fall Creek.
	We contined north on Route 30 to Route 90. This took us to the southern end of the Mount St. Helens Monument. This viewpoint has a commanding view of several mountains, but unfortunately the clouds took it away. Mt. St. Helens is behind Diane and the clouds.

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