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Falls Creek Falls
Winthrop,
Washington
overview
LENGTH : 2.5 miles, roundtrip
ELEVATION GAIN : 700 ft.
TYPE : hike
HIGH POINT : 2,900 ft.
Located just over 11 miles from Winthrop, the Falls Creek Falls Trail offers something for hikers of every level. The first reward comes quickly, with a stunning waterfall just a quarter-mile from the trailhead, reached via a flat, paved path that's perfect for families with young children.
From the lower viewpoint, a dirt trail climbs to the top of the first falls, where a second cascade comes into view alongside the rushing water below. It's a worthy detour that reframes the whole scene. From there, the trail earns its keep. The path grows steeper and narrower for roughly a mile before easing into gentler terrain. Along the way, the river murmurs somewhere far below while two more waterfalls reveal themselves through the trees. This stretch can feel exposed in places, so hikers with small children may want to turn back here. Another half mile deposits you at a forest service where a bridge spans Upper Falls Creek. This is the trail's natural turnaround point. Head back the way you came, and you'll have four waterfalls to look forward to on the descent.
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Directions
Parking
Trip Reports
TOTAL MILEAGE : .4 miles, roundtrip
ELEVATION GAIN : 80 ft.
HIGH POINT : 2,240 ft.
After a successful couple of days ski touring around Washington Pass on Highway 20, I decided to head up the Chewuch Road to explore some campgrounds. While checking out Falls Creek Falls campground, I noticed a sign for Falls Creek Falls. There didn't really appear to be a parking area, so I pulled my rig over on the side of the road, and hopped out.
I had done the birthday tour earlier in the day, and was a little worn out. But upon existing my car, I could hear the falls and figured they were close by. I had on my flip flops, but the trailhead sign indicated it was handicap accessible, and it was paved, so I didn't bother throwing on my sneakers and started making my way up the trail.
Start of the trail
The trail meandered through the forest, and while it was in pretty good shape, it was covered in pine needles, with a good amount of pine cones strewn around. The vegetation was still green, and it was a pretty contrast with the burnt ponderosa pine.
Winding through the forest
I quickly reached the falls, and snapped some pictures. There was a good amount of flow coming over the rocks, and while it is not the most spectacular falls I have seen, it's definitely worth the quick hike up to view it if in the area.
Falls Creek Falls
To my surprise, I noticed the trail continued up past the falls. For some reason I had assumed the trail would end at the falls, but it turned to dirt and ascended up the side of the hill next to the falls.
Going Up
I walked a little ways up the trail, wondering if it would end at another viewpoint, but it kept going. Not wanting to proceed any further in my flip-flops, I decided to turn around. I learned after the fact there were more falls above - should have worn my sneakers and completed the hike. Oh well...
Trail above the falls
On the walk back to the car, I could see another white SUV pull up next to my car, and just sit there. I thought it might be a forest service ranger about to give me a ticket, however it turned out to be a family stopping to see the falls. It's a nice hike, and I wish I had gone to see the upper falls. Will go on it again when I am in the area next.
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