Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
820.00 ft (249.94 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
5.80 mi (9.33 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.

Fall Creek Falls is another stunning waterfall located in the Diamond Peak Wilderness. The hike takes you through old-growth forests, along the creek, and makes for a relaxing day adventure. The 160-foot waterfall is just about 3 miles past the Salt Creek Falls Observation Area. From the parking lot, follow the signs for Fall Creek Falls and Vivian Lake. The trail is steep at times and crosses a cement bridge and a set of active railroad tracks. Be sure to watch for the signs for Vivian Lake and Salt Creek Falls to avoid hiking on the Forest Service roads instead of the actual trail.

The falls are just a short distance off of the main trail. It's hard to get a good view of the entire falls because of the location and the angle, but they’re still a sight to see, if only partially. A second set of falls (with the same name) are downstream. They are viewable but require some scrambling off trail and down a slope. For a longer adventure, continue on the trail to Vivian Lake, Notch Lake, and other unnamed lakes in the Diamond Peak Wilderness.

Note: Self-issued wilderness permits are required and available at the trailhead for the Diamond Peak Wilderness.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Large waterfalls. Nearby lakes. Old-growth forest.

Cons

Mosquitoes.

Trailhead Elevation

4,182.00 ft (1,274.67 m)

Features

Waterfalls
Bird watching
Wildlife
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers
Geologically significant

Location

Nearby Adventures

Comments

09/01/2016
Immediately after the train track, look down to the left to pick up the actual trail instead of keeping straight up to the service road. We did not see a sign.
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.