Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
710.00 ft (216.41 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.40 mi (7.08 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.

Once used as a municipal water source for the small town of Cascade Locks, the falls and creek that drop from the Benson Plateau earned its name because the creek bed went dry when its flow was diverted into pipes.  Dry Creek flows again, while remnants from the original diversion system can still be seen near the base of the falls.

Although its a simple and short hike through second-growth Douglas fir and tall stands of bigleaf maple, getting on to the right trail from the parking lot can be a bit difficult, so be sure to review our directions before starting your adventure.  Once you make it to Dry Creek Falls you'll be rewarded by the sight of the 75-foot ponytail cascade and the small columnar basalt amphitheater typical of so many of the Columbia River Gorge's waterfalls.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Less crowded then other Columbia River Gorge hikes.

Cons

Hike through second-growth forest.

Trailhead Elevation

200.00 ft (60.96 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

06/28/2019
Dude. This is NOT a low congestion hike. If you want a parking spot and a little peace and quiet, get your buns there before 9 AM. Yes, even on a weekday.

Hands down, the most beautiful columnar basalt formation I've ever seen.
12/01/2018
This was nice hike through the woods and the falls were great!
01/28/2017
Beautiful in the snow as well.
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