Dry Creek Falls Hike in the Columbia River Gorge
Looking for a short but solid hike to a waterfall? Look no further. Dry Creek Falls is a great 5 mile out and back hike in the Columbia River Gorge that starts in Cascade Locks and follows the Pacific Crest Trail. This moderate hike is great year round assuming the weather in The Gorge cooperates.
The hike starts out on the south side of highway 84 in the town of Cascade Locks and follows the Pacific Crest trail for roughly 2.5 miles. You will go through a nice forested area, cross some power lines and then arrive at a bridge at Dry Creek. From the bridge you will follow Dry Creek up roughly 100 yards until you arrive at the majestic Dry Creek Falls.
This is a very easy hike for seasoned hikers and is family friendly with minimal exposure to cliffs or dangerous areas. The months of October and November are ideal times for this hike as the forest canopy will serve up some amazing colors during fall.
The trail head can be a little difficult to find during winter months as the main trail head parking area near the Bridge of the Gods is closes for the off season. If visiting Dry Creek Falls in the winter you will want to use the map below to find the trail head or you can park in town and just walk up to the Bridge of the Gods and then follow the signs for the Pacific Crest Trail.
Click here for directions to the winter trail head.
Helpful Guides for Hiking Dry Creek Falls
- Portland Hikers has a great write up on the hike
- The Stateman Journal listed Dry Creek Falls hike as 4th best Autumn hike in the state
- Gorge Friends also has a good write-up on Dry Creek Falls
- Want to learn about the actual Dry Creek Waterfall? Checkout Waterfalls Northwest for specs on Dry Creek Falls
Photos of the Dry Creek Falls Hike
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