On a quick trip to the Columbia River Gorge in March, I decided to revisit the stunning waterfall on the Dry Creek Falls trail in Cascade Locks. My last visit was 5 months before the devastating Eagle Creek Fire in 2017 so it only seemed right to see how the forest and trail have recovered in the 8 years since (time sure does fly).
I parked at the Bridge of The Gods trailhead around 8am with only two other cars in the lot. The bathrooms were closed for the season, the USFS website says they close on Oct 1st but not when they reopen. I noticed a new sign on the other side of the road now where the trail takes up to go under I-84, there didn’t use to be much to designate the beginning of the trail.
It was also good see some of the same iconic Pacific Crest Trail markers, it sure brought back some memories of section hiking this area.
When I passed under the highway, I was surprised to see that the road was now paved to the trailhead and a sparkly new trailhead was built where the trail crossed Harvey Road. The bathrooms were much nicer than the other trailhead but just as closed. I guessed I would be rewriting this guide description when I got home!
The curbing for the road was level with the trail entrance, marked for both the Pacific Crest Trail and Gorge 400 Trail. It looked like there was an attempt to make the trail slightly accessible with compact dirt and raised gravel but there are still rocks and roots that would make it a challenge for a wheelchair. And the drainage needs some help as the clay-based soil as very muddy in the first half mile or so.
The trillium was abundant but had been around for awhile and it wasn’t long before the scars of the Eagle Creek Fire presented themselves both on long ago downed logs and the surviving forest trunks. The understory was much more open and allowed for a better viewing of the rolling terrain. It reminded me of the large dimples created by glacial activity on Whidbey Island but odds are it is most likely the effects of landslides or deposits after flooding.
I reached the junction with the falls in about an hour and turned up on the right. I was surprised to notice that there are a few living stumps at the intersection, a testament to nature’s amazing ability to persist.
The decommissioned road to the waterfall had multiple trees down like a fun dance of tinikling.
There was one other person at the falls when I arrived but there was plenty of room for both of us to feel like we were alone with the cataract. It was too early for the sunshine to reach the alcove and the drizzly forecast wasn’t helping either but the waterfall cascading down 74 feet through the slit in the basalt was impressive as always. I stayed about 30 minutes before leaving the idyllic spot, this is a great trail for observing the various ways our landscapes are molded by large events like volcanic activity and the erosive powers of water.
I did take a minute on the way out to stop at the bridge over Dry Creek that the Pacific Crest Trail continues on. This is the “official” route, most people take the Eagle Creek Trail alternative which is much more scenic (and crowded).
I passed a handful of groups in rain gear on my way out and there were about 20 more cars between the two parking lots, to be expected for a weekend visit. Hopefully they will have the restrooms open soon.
This visit allowed me to edit the Dry Creek Falls hike guide entry on Washington Trails that I wrote way back in 2017. The next time you are down on the Gorge, you should check it out!
If you are wondering where I often stay while along I-84, I alternate between using iOverlander and Viento State Park. I was a little bummed on this trip that my favorite iOverlander spot has seen some clearing out making it not as stealth so I probably will have to look for a new one. Hopefully, I can find something nearby as it was close to a trailhead along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail which was great for a bathroom and coffee stop in the mornings before getting back on the road or on trail.
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Thank you, Elle! I am working on getting some more posts out this summer, we will see how I do!
Amazing to see how nature bounces back over time. Dry Creek Falls looks as magical as ever.
Your photos are gorgeous! You could sell calendars with a series of your photos, although maybe people don’t buy paper calendars anymore. FYI my normal routines have been completely blown out of the water this summer with time out of town, time with family, houseguests, a family reunion, and helping with our 2 year old and 3 month old. I am sooo far behind of my fiber projects, and on my blogging. And reading blogs.
Thank you, Meg! A calendar may happen someday, could make for a good fundraiser. Who knows? And it sounds like you are having a fabulous summer, sometimes we just have to put routines aside to enjoy the moments. I look forward to hearing more about those moments when you get back into the routine!