Washington has hundreds and hundreds of stunning waterfalls, many of which require little to no hiking to reach. But, while our well-known spots like Snoqualmie Falls and Palouse Falls tend to (understandably) steal the spotlight, some of our hidden gems are equally as impressive. If you’re planning a trip to the Columbia Gorge this summer, don’t miss the Lower Falls Creek Trail, which takes you right to a breathtaking waterfall plenty of Washingtonians don’t know about.
Lower Falls is known as Lower Lewis Falls or Lower Lewis River Falls—and it’s spectacular.
Brittani Russell / alltrails.com The Columbia River Gorge has plenty of impressive falls on both the Washington and Oregon sides, but this one is a true stunner.
To reach the trailhead, drive west on Highway 14 from White Salmon for about 17 miles. Turn right onto Hot Springs Avenue and continue through Carson to a junction with the Wind River Highway.
Lindsey Rust-Schenk / alltrails.com Take a right, drive past the community of Stabler and the junction with Forest Road 43, and look for an eventual fork in the road after you’e passed the fish hatchery. Turn right, and eventually you’ll start to see signs.
The trail itself is just over three miles long, out-and-back.
Derek Corneau / alltrails.com The hike isn’t overly challenging, so it’s a great trail for beginners.
To reach the waterfall, you’ll trek through a young forest full of mossy rocks and hidden trees.
Wutor / alltrails.com About a mile in, you’ll cross a little suspension bridge that spans a rocky gorge.
Less than a mile after the suspension bridge, you’ll arrive at the beautiful Lower Falls.
Pam T / Flickr The views are definitely worth the hike.
This spot can be difficult to reach early in the season before the spring melts, so summer is the best time to hike this trail.
Stef KS / alltrails.com Catch the views from both above and below. You might even want to stop and have a picnic before heading back.
The good news is, the hike back to the beginning of the trail is mostly a gentle downhill grade.
Pattu Amirtharaj / alltrails.com But the truth is, you probably won’t be in any hurry to find that out.
Have you ever hiked this somewhat hidden trail? To avoid fellow hikers, try to go on a weekday morning — it’s more fun that way.
Brittani Russell / alltrails.com
The Columbia River Gorge has plenty of impressive falls on both the Washington and Oregon sides, but this one is a true stunner.
Lindsey Rust-Schenk / alltrails.com
Take a right, drive past the community of Stabler and the junction with Forest Road 43, and look for an eventual fork in the road after you’e passed the fish hatchery. Turn right, and eventually you’ll start to see signs.
Derek Corneau / alltrails.com
The hike isn’t overly challenging, so it’s a great trail for beginners.
Wutor / alltrails.com
About a mile in, you’ll cross a little suspension bridge that spans a rocky gorge.
Pam T / Flickr
The views are definitely worth the hike.
Stef KS / alltrails.com
Catch the views from both above and below. You might even want to stop and have a picnic before heading back.
Pattu Amirtharaj / alltrails.com
But the truth is, you probably won’t be in any hurry to find that out.
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