It’s not that Dry Creek Falls isn’t a popular hiking destination — it very much is — but compared with all the other amazing sites that surround it, the Columbia Gorge waterfall can still manage to feel like an undiscovered gem.
A beautiful waterfall found just off the famed Pacific Crest Trail, only two miles from the storied Bridge of the Gods, Dry Creek Falls is a perfect day hike for those visiting Cascade Locks, especially hikers who have already been to the more popular places nearby.
As winter snow begins to thaw in the Columbia River Gorge, crowds will once again flock to the usual waterfall destinations: Multnomah Falls, Wahclella Falls, Horsetail Falls and the many waterfalls along the Eagle Creek Trail, to name a few. The sheer number of falls in the gorge means that lesser-known spots can hide in plain sight, offering relatively quieter experiences for those who time their trips right.
Dry Creek Falls is one of those spots, overshadowed not only by the other waterfalls nearby, but also by the other attractions in town.
Ask people about the best things to do in Cascade Locks and they’ll probably rattle off the Bridge of the Gods and the Pacific Crest Trail, as well the Thunder Island and Gorges breweries, not to mention the traditional smoked salmon at Brigham Fish Market or the milkshakes at Eastwind Drive-in. And if it’s waterfalls you’re after, you might as well head just a few miles west of town to Eagle Creek or Wahclella, which offer some of the best falls in the region.
In any other place, Dry Creek Falls might be the star attraction, but in this oversaturated market it’s playing second fiddle at best.
With a main plunge that stands 74 feet tall (additional tiers bring the total height to 230 feet), Dry Creek Falls is an impressive site, cascading into a pool at the base of a basalt amphitheater in the woods. The area was burned by the Eagle Creek fire, but much of the forest remains intact, creating a lush setting any time of year.
The waterfall is found at the end of a short side trail that branches off from the Pacific Crest Trail at a bridge over Dry Creek. From the Bridge of the Gods Trailhead in downtown Cascade Locks, it’s about a 4.4-mile round-trip excursion, with only 725 feet of elevation gain, according to a track by the Oregon Hikers Field Guide.
It’s an easy enough hike, with no major obstacles and only a few gradual uphill sections. Snow on the trail might be slippery in some spots, but the trail is at a low enough elevation that it doesn’t receive much accumulation, and well-traveled enough that snow gets trampled down when it does fall.
Dry Creek Falls is paired perfectly with the many places to eat and drink in Cascade Locks, whether you’re hankering for fresh salmon, a pint of craft beer, or a burger and a milkshake. Don’t be surprised if the restaurants and trailhead are crowded; just know that it’s par for the course in the Columbia River Gorge — even at “overlooked” spots like these.
DRY CREEK FALLS HIKE
Distance: 4.4 miles, out and back
Difficulty: moderately easy
Amenities: restroom at trailhead
This hike is rated “moderately easy” for the overall distance and some gradual uphill sections.
There are a few places to start a hike to Dry Creek Falls, but your best bet is the established trailhead on the Oregon side of the Bridge of the Gods.
From Portland, take Interstate 84 to exit 44 for Cascade Locks, and quickly turn right following signs for the Bridge of the Gods. The trailhead parking lot is at the center of the on-ramp to the bridge. If there is no parking available, look for street parking on Wa Na Pa Street and walk back to the trailhead (NOTE: There is no sidewalk on the on-ramp to the bridge, so watch out for traffic).
From the trailhead parking lot, cross the street and look for signs pointing you to the Pacific Crest Trail. Follow the path uphill a short way and walk underneath the freeway. Turn right on the neighborhood street on the other side of the overpass (Southwest Moody Avenue), and stay right at the fork. On the left side of the road is another trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn left and follow it into the woods.
From here, the Pacific Crest Trail runs about 1.7 miles until it reaches a footbridge over Dry Creek. Instead of crossing the bridge, look for the sign that points you to Dry Creek Falls and turn right. In about .2 miles, you’ll reach the waterfall.
Once you’ve had your fill, turn around and go back the way you came.
— Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB
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