7/31/2023 0 Comments Free waterfall hikes near meThe new program from the US Forest Service and local and state agencies was put in place to ease traffic congestion along the area’s most visited attractions, and from May 24 through September 5, you need a permit to drive to trailheads for hiking spots between Interstate 84 exits 28 (Bridal Veil) and 35 (Ainsworth) between 9 a.m. But with the new timed-use permits now required for driving to sites along the Gorge’s ever-so-scenic waterfall corridor and Multnomah Falls during summer, you’ll have to do some planning depending on where you want to go. Left will take you back to the Harry Allen Trail which leads back to Phoenix Lake and right will continue your climb up towards Eldridge Grade.A good waterfall hike isn’t hard to come by if you live in Portland, what with the Columbia River Gorge practically at our doorstep. Bill Williams Trail combines with Bill Williams shortly after passing the dam. ![]() If you were wondering who Bill Williams was, he was a lumberjack who lived in the canyon back in the late 1800s. To see some flowing water follow the Bill Williams Trail up the canyon past a few cascades, and an Old Dam that turns into a waterfall. Gertude Ord Trail takes off to the right making a 2 mile loop of Phoenix Lake. Heading up from Phoenix Lake head left over the damn and follow Bill Williams Fire Road along the lake to Bill Williams Trail. Best access is from Phoenix Lake trail head in Ross (Natalie Coffin Greene Park), parking can be a challenge at this location though. If you’re looking for an adventure, Tucker Trail is on you should consider. During the spring there is an amazing amount of wildflowers throughout the canyon. To get to the falls head up the trail to the right about 5 minutes to reach the falls. Both trails eventually meet with Cascade Fire Road, continue over a small hill, stay to the left at the first junction, and then cross a small wooden bridge. Best access during high water is from Cascade Drive though, as Canyon Trail and Cascade Fire Road will be blocked by high waterflow. Both parallel each other from either side of the creek and run back towards the falls. There is limited parking at both the Canyon Road and Cascade Drive trailheads. Juvenile fish can be found in the upper ponds all year long. The hike back to the falls will pass right by this unique habitat and if you are observant enough you might just spot a few of the fish making their redds in the creek. The Steelhead are classified as endangered by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Unfortunately, it brings you to the Cataract trail above the waterfalls, and that trail is so much better from the bottom up. As a substitute for Cataract, try Steep Ravine (see #5 below.) A nice loop, and while not as dramatic, Steep Ravine is quite like Cataract.ĭog Regulations: Dogs on leash at all timesĬascade Creek is one of a few places left with an active Steelhead Trout run. * Note: Due to storm related damage the closest you can get is the trailhead on Ridgecrest that leads down to Laurel Dell. At the junction of Helen Markt Trail and Cataract Trail there is a descent sized pool that is a great spot to stop and rest. There are many cascades, but there are three main waterfalls. Continuing past the picnic area the trail starts to descend towards the falls. After one mile you will reach Laurel Dell which has bathroom facilities and a picnic area. This is an artifact of a midair collision between two US Navy F4U – Corsair’s a few months after World War 2 on October 4, 1945. At about 3/4 of a mile (just before the Ray Murphy Trail Bridge) you may notice an aircraft engine in the creek. ![]() The trail here is mostly flat and crosses the flowing creek several times. To get the best experience start at the Rock Springs trail head and hike north towards the falls. It is accessible by road at both ends, although the northern trail head is an uphill hike the whole way. The trail follows Cataract Creek from 1,970 feet in elevation down to Alpine Lake at 650 feet in the length of 3 miles. Land Managing Agency: Marin Municipal Water DistrictĬataract Falls is probably one of the most well-known Waterfall hikes in Marin County.
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