Difference between revisions of "Falls Creek Falls Loop Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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[[Category:Family Hikes]] | [[Category:Family Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Hikes]] | [[Category:Hikes]] | ||
− | + | [[Image:Fallscreekfalls.jpg|thumb|300px|Falls Creek Falls ''(cfm)'']] | |
− | [[Image:Fallscreekfalls.jpg|thumb| | + | |
[[Image:Suspbridge.jpg|thumb|250px|Suspension bridge ''(cfm)'']] | [[Image:Suspbridge.jpg|thumb|250px|Suspension bridge ''(cfm)'']] | ||
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{{Start point|Falls Creek Falls Lower Trailhead}} | {{Start point|Falls Creek Falls Lower Trailhead}} | ||
* End point: [[Falls Creek Falls]] | * End point: [[Falls Creek Falls]] | ||
− | * Trail Log: [[ | + | * Trail Log: [[Falls Creek Falls Loop Hike/Log|Trail Log]] |
* Hike Type: Loop | * Hike Type: Loop | ||
− | {{Distance|6.2 miles}} | + | {{Distance|6.2 miles}} round trip |
{{Elevation gain|1150 Feet}} | {{Elevation gain|1150 Feet}} | ||
{{Difficulty|Moderate}} | {{Difficulty|Moderate}} | ||
Line 18: | Line 15: | ||
* Backpackable: No | * Backpackable: No | ||
* Crowded: No | * Crowded: No | ||
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=== Hike Description === | === Hike Description === | ||
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After the suspension bridge, the forest is more mature with plenty of snags and old growth giants of cedar and fir. Hike another mile upstream and go past the signed connector trail to the Upper Falls Creek Trail. Cross another footbridge and round a large bend in the trail and you will start to hear the roar of the falls. The trail will take you right up to a front row view of the thundering waters. Large boulders scattered around the viewing area provide good seats and picnic tables. | After the suspension bridge, the forest is more mature with plenty of snags and old growth giants of cedar and fir. Hike another mile upstream and go past the signed connector trail to the Upper Falls Creek Trail. Cross another footbridge and round a large bend in the trail and you will start to hear the roar of the falls. The trail will take you right up to a front row view of the thundering waters. Large boulders scattered around the viewing area provide good seats and picnic tables. | ||
− | To continue on the loop, return on the lower trail to the well marked junction, and turn uphill an a steep rutted path that climbs .2 miles to the upper trail. Turn right and travel a mile to reach the top of the falls, but along the way look for one of several short user trails on your right. Any of these side trails will take you to the edge of the cliffs that provide the best viewpoints of the upper tier of the falls. There is a nice flat | + | To continue on the loop, return on the lower trail to the well marked junction, and turn uphill an a steep rutted path that climbs .2 miles to the upper trail. Turn right and travel a mile to reach the top of the falls, but along the way look for one of several short user trails on your right. Any of these side trails will take you to the edge of the cliffs that provide the best viewpoints of the upper tier of the falls. There is a nice flat landing at the very top of the falls. It does not provide a good view of the cascade itself, but allows a sweeping view west into the Falls Creek valley and the mountains beyond. There is a steep scramble path down to the creek before it plunges over the edge, not suitable for little ones. After exploring the top of the falls, return on the upper trail and travel a pleasant 2.5 miles back to your starting point, a gradual forested descent back to the first footbridge near the trailhead. |
=== Maps === | === Maps === | ||
{{Hikemaps|latitude=45.9077|longitude=-121.9470}} | {{Hikemaps|latitude=45.9077|longitude=-121.9470}} | ||
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{{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}} | {{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}} | ||
* (Click [http://portlandhikers.org/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own) | * (Click [http://portlandhikers.org/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own) | ||
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{{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}} | {{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}} |
Revision as of 16:33, 13 December 2008
- Start point: Falls Creek Falls Lower Trailhead
- End point: Falls Creek Falls
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Loop
- Distance: 6.2 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 1150 Feet"Feet" is not declared as a valid unit of measurement for this property.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: April 1st- Dec 1st
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
The lower trail begins along the south side of the creek in a young forest of Douglas-fir. About 100 yards from the trailhead, you will pass a footbridge over the creek, don't cross now, that will be your return route at the end of the loop. The first mile of the hike has several points where you and the kids can scramble down to the creek bed. Smooth rocks and several small pools invite wading, but the water remains icy cold through the summer. After about a mile, the path rises above the creekbed and the gentle stream becomes a small carved basalt canyon, which roars in the spring. Cross to the north side of the creek on a suspension bridge above the the narrow chasm and you will get a good look at how the water has carved its way through the basalt.
After the suspension bridge, the forest is more mature with plenty of snags and old growth giants of cedar and fir. Hike another mile upstream and go past the signed connector trail to the Upper Falls Creek Trail. Cross another footbridge and round a large bend in the trail and you will start to hear the roar of the falls. The trail will take you right up to a front row view of the thundering waters. Large boulders scattered around the viewing area provide good seats and picnic tables.
To continue on the loop, return on the lower trail to the well marked junction, and turn uphill an a steep rutted path that climbs .2 miles to the upper trail. Turn right and travel a mile to reach the top of the falls, but along the way look for one of several short user trails on your right. Any of these side trails will take you to the edge of the cliffs that provide the best viewpoints of the upper tier of the falls. There is a nice flat landing at the very top of the falls. It does not provide a good view of the cascade itself, but allows a sweeping view west into the Falls Creek valley and the mountains beyond. There is a steep scramble path down to the creek before it plunges over the edge, not suitable for little ones. After exploring the top of the falls, return on the upper trail and travel a pleasant 2.5 miles back to your starting point, a gradual forested descent back to the first footbridge near the trailhead.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Falls Creek Falls Loop Hike
- (Click here to add your own)
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Falls Creek Falls Loop Hike
- (Click here to ask a question or start a conversation)
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- 100 Hikes in NW Oregon and Washington by William L. Sullivan
- 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Portland by Paul Gerald
More Links
- See more information at Describe the link here
Contributors
- CFM (creator)