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

The rain has started and it's time for shoulder season! Join AYM for a shuttle hike across one of the more scenic stretches of the Gorge, from the Herman Creek Trailhead to Cascade Locks. We'll leave a couple cars in Cascade Locks, then we'll all drive up to the nearby Herman Creek Trailhead. We'll follow the Herman Creek Trail uphill, cross Herman Creek on a bridge and then hike up to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. From there, we'll follow the PCT to Dry Creek Falls, and then downhill into Cascade Locks. Expect a beverage / warming stop in Cascade Locks before piling in cars to return to the Herman Creek Trailhead.

 

Hike: 7.3 miles, 1,600 feet elevation gain. Drive: 80 miles round-trip. Please bring adequate rain gear (no cotton!) and it's probably a good idea to also bring a change of clothes. Hikers without adequate protection against the elements will be turned away. Meet at Gateway Transit Center at 8AM. Leaders: Matt Reeder and Paul Kallmann.

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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