Dry Creek Falls plunges 74 feet over a basalt wall in a secluded amphitheater near Cascade Locks. It is easily reached via the Pacific Crest Trail and is a popular destination for those interested in a short, woodsy hike with plenty of Gorge ambience. At the base of the falls are the remains of a water diversion works. In the 1930s, the rapidly expanding town of Cascade Locks got its water supply from this location during the construction of the Bonneville Dam. The creek was channeled into a tunnel and thus ran "dry" on its original bed. Almost the entire area of this hike was affected by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. You'll see blackened tree trunks and a recovering understory, but most of the canopy is still intact. Get more details at: http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Dry_Creek_Falls_Hike

Activity Notes

A moderate hike on the PCT and Dry Creek Trail starting from Bridge of the Gods. This hike is about 4.5 miles long and has just under 1000' of gain. At the end of the trail is Dry Creek Falls, a tall waterfall over a wall of columnar basalt.

We'll meet at the MMC at 2 p.m. to carpool, arriving at the trailhead at 2:45 p.m.

We'll at hike at a 2 mph pace uphill and closer to 2.5 mph on the return, aiming to complete the hike in a little over 2 hours. Before registering for this hike, please make sure your Mazamas profile displays either Mazamas activity history or you've filled in your hiking experience outside the Mazamas. Similar hikes to check your fitness include the Eagle Creek Trail to Lower Punchbowl Falls or Triple Falls from Horsetail Falls near Oneonta Creek. You could also try 4 miles on the treadmill at 10% grade to measure your pace.

This will be an exploratory hike, meaning the leader has not hiked this trail before.

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 78 miles
Driving Time from Portland 1 hours
Distance - Round Trip 4 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Relevant Maps CG6
Awards Qualified Waterfall Award
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