Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
200.00 ft (60.96 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
2.50 mi (4.02 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Starting from the Salt Creek Falls parking area, follow the signs for Diamond Creek Falls Trail. You will cross a wooden bridge and come to a junction in the path: walking right leads to viewpoints of the canyon, and walking left leads through the trees and over Forest Service roads. Both paths meet at the lower falls trailhead, however. Look for the blue diamonds that mark the trail in winter as the trail meanders through the tall trees and rhododendrons (the area is also popular for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter time). As you hike, be sure to check out the side paths and viewpoints that are just a short distance from the main trail: views of Salt Creek Canyon, Too Much Bear Lake, and partial views of other nearby falls are just a few of the views you will see along the way. 

Once you reach the trailhead to access the base of Diamond Creek Falls, hike down the uniquely carved log staircase. In all the access is just a quarter mile, but be careful as you descend the narrow path, for the loose dirt can make the trail a little unstable. The falls are an impressive 120-foot flow over basalt rock. You can hike right up to the base and feel the power of the falls.

After you return to the main trail, you can extend your hike by continuing on the Vivian Lake Trail for another 1.3 miles to access Fall Creek Falls.

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Waterfalls. Great view points.

Cons

Mosquitoes.

Trailhead Elevation

4,000.00 ft (1,219.20 m)

Features

Waterfalls
Bird watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Geologically significant

Location

Nearby Adventures

Comments

09/09/2016
Beautiful fall hike, no mosquitos
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.