Portland: Dry Creek Falls
This 4.2-mile out-and-back leads to a beautiful cascade that, despite its misleading name, tumbles 50 feet from mossy cliffs.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 3.4
Waypoints
DCF001
Location: 45.6623306274414, -121.89656829834
From parking lot, cross street; sign marks Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Head L and uphill
DCF002
Location: 45.6623649597168, -121.894836425781
Turn R onto paved rd., then cross under I-84. In 50 yds., turn R onto gravel trail. Begin steady but easy climb
DCF003
Location: 45.6621284484863, -121.894714355469
Turn L, staying on the PCT. Trail laces through a mossy forest with Douglas firs and vine maples
DCF004
Location: 45.6597633361816, -121.89111328125
Need a rest? Sit on large wood stumps on L. In summer, pink bleeding hearts add a shot of color to the deep-green forest
DCF005
Location: 45.6594161987305, -121.883079528809
Climb switchbacks to dirt road under power lines. Turn R; look closely for conical peak of Mt. Adams to come into view
DCF006
Location: 45.6592330932617, -121.882751464844
Turn L, staying with PCT signs. Trail enters fir forest again
DCF007
Location: 45.6608047485352, -121.875961303711
Descend into a fern-covered ravine
DCF008
Location: 45.6599464416504, -121.869758605957
R @ 4-way onto overgrown fire road. Ahead, cross the rushing flow of Dry Creek on old dam. Continue up creek
DCF009
Location: 45.6572608947754, -121.867630004883
Falls: Dry Creek plunges 50 ft. from the basalt and lava cliffs above. Great lunch spot with swimming hole (in wet season). Retrace steps to car
