The best waterfall hikes and walks around Cascade Locks

The Dry Creek Falls Trail offers a delightful journey through the Columbia River Gorge, leading you to a beautiful 74-foot waterfall. You'll hike through lush forests, observing the impressive recovery of areas affected by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, with new growth flourishing alongside scarred trunks. The final stretch follows the creek to the falls, which cascade into a rocky amphitheater featuring unique columnar basalt formations, making for a truly picturesque reward.

This easy 2.7-mile (4.4 km) out-and-back hike involves 973 feet (297 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 27 minutes. It's a year-round destination, with spring offering the most powerful waterfall display. A significant portion of the route follows the Pacific Crest Trail, providing a taste of this famous long-distance path, and it's often less crowded than other Gorge trails.

Historically, water from Dry Creek was diverted to power the gates of the Cascade Locks, giving the town its name. The trail is well-suited for beginners and families, offering a mild grade and plenty of shade. You can enjoy the natural beauty and historical context of the area, making it a rewarding and accessible outdoor adventure.

The Herman Creek Trail offers a deep dive into the Columbia River Gorge's wild side, showcasing some of the region's most impressive old-growth forests. You'll traverse varied terrain, from mossy mixed woodlands to ancient stands of fir, cedar, and hemlock, with highlights like the Herman Creek Pinnacles and the beautiful Nick Eaton Falls. This is a difficult 10.5-mile (16.9 km) hike with a substantial 4480 feet (1366 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring around 5 hours and 47 minutes, making it a serious undertaking for experienced hikers.

To plan your trip, note that the trailhead is often less busy than other Gorge spots, which is a definite plus for finding parking. However, be mindful of the trail's condition; areas affected by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire can present hazards like burned snags and unstable soil, particularly in windy or wet weather. Always check conditions before you go, and consider starting early to make the most of your day.

What truly sets the Herman Creek Trail apart are its popular routes that lead through the largest surviving old-growth forest in the Columbia Gorge. It also offers fantastic opportunities for longer loops by connecting with other trails like the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), making it a prime choice for multi-day backpacking or extended adventures. This trail provides a rugged, immersive experience away from the busiest crowds.

The Dry Creek Falls Trail is a lush, shaded escape into the Columbia River Gorge, perfect for those seeking a rewarding waterfall without intense crowds. This moderate hiking route covers 4.5 miles (7.3 km) with 1266 feet (386 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. You'll wind through a vibrant forest of Douglas fir and maples, past abundant ferns, before reaching the dramatic 74-foot Dry Creek Falls, nestled in a rocky amphitheater with striking columnar basalt formations. The path is mostly a steady, mild incline, with some rocky sections and a steeper final push to the falls.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is well-maintained and accessible year-round. Its ample shade makes it a comfortable option even on warmer days, and it's generally less crowded than other popular Gorge destinations, offering a more peaceful experience. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners and families looking for a scenic and manageable outing near Cascade Locks.

One of the trail's unique aspects is its integration with a section of the famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), allowing you to experience a piece of this iconic long-distance route. You'll also find remnants of old waterworks from the 1930s near the falls, a nod to the area's history when the creek's water was diverted. Despite its name, Dry Creek now flows steadily all year, ensuring a picturesque waterfall experience.

The Dry Creek Falls Trail offers a lush, green escape into the Columbia River Gorge, leading you through regenerating forests and along a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail. You'll navigate a varied path of compact dirt, gravel, and rocky sections, with a steady incline that builds anticipation. The reward is the stunning 74-foot Dry Creek Falls, set within a natural amphitheater of columnar basalt, creating a serene, mossy grotto that feels truly special.

This moderate hike covers 4.4 miles (7.2 km) with 1112 feet (339 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 21 minutes. The trailhead is easily accessible from Cascade Locks, and while the trail is open year-round, visiting in spring offers the most impressive waterfall flow. It's a great option if you're looking for a substantial outing without the crowds often found on other Gorge trails.

Beyond the natural beauty, the trail provides a unique opportunity to observe the forest's resilience as it recovers from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Near the falls, you can also find remnants of a 1930s water works, hinting at the area's historical significance where Dry Creek was once diverted to power the lock chamber gates at Cascade Locks.