Falls Creek
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| | Raps:3, max ↨160ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 19 Jul 2026
"First time running these waterfalls that I have visited before from below. We ghosted R1 DCR, which kept us on the edge of the flow. We left a webbing |
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| Best season: | July-Sept
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45.9094, -121.9128
45.9057, -121.9401
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Introduction
A massive three-tier waterfall draining the southwest side of the Indian Heaven plateau. One of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls close to Portland. Despite the hike in, this falls is popular with tourists and families.
- Watershed: 16.4mi^2. Highest point in the watershed is Gifford Peak (5360ft).
Approach
Follow the trail to a junction at 45.91213, -121.92080. Turn left here and ascend to the upper Falls Creek trail. This climbs gradually to the plateau above. Circle around through nice forest and turn right to find a campsite with a view. A short scrambly trail leads to the top of R1.
- Alternatively, hike to the viewpoint above the falls and take a steep scramble trail climber's left of the falls.
- The checkpoint is the viewpoint at the bottom of the falls.
Descent
Most of the anchors on Falls Creek Falls can be accessed by the general public. Ghosting or leaving discrete anchors is the way to go. It's fun to explore the horizontal tiers between the vertical pitches.
- R1: 110ft from large dead snag DCR. (Further exploration: there is a cool-looking mini-slot on the DCL side of the falls that might be a fun line in low flow.)
- R2: There are (at least) two options:
- Low water: 160' from dead snag DCR. This line drops you behind the veil, but be prepared to get pummeled in the V-slot ahead. This line could be dangerous in high water. Pack management may be a concern. Potential rockfall hazard.
- High water: traverse 20ft to a dubious, thin tree DCR. Rappel 30ft to a ledge with single bolt rebelay. Rappel another 130ft to the bottom.
- R3: 110' from a single bolt with webbing extension located behind a tree, high DCL. Try to avoid tearing off moss and crushing delicate plant life when rappelling. Consider taking a line closer to the water may be better. The rappel lands on a spray-blasted ledge above the pool.
Exit
From the bottom of R3, scramble up to the falls viewpoint and follow the trail back to your car.
Red tape
- A NW Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.
- The Forest Services usually closes FR 3062 from Dec 1 through Mar 31. This will add +4mi RT.
- Things may be changing, but as of 2026, canyoning is still a relatively new sport in the Pacific NW. Unlike other parts of the country (ex: the Colorado Plateau), canyoning is not widely known or recognized here. Individuals climbing, rappelling, or slack-lining around "show waterfalls" are more likely to garner negative reactions from the public at large. Negative reactions lead to complaints and more rules by the local authorities. Locals suggest running such falls during the off-season and on weekdays when numbers of other visitors will be low. You will likely have an audience on the last two rappels. Don't overstay your welcome.
Beta sites
CanyoneeringNorthwest.com (archive.org) : Falls Creek Falls
Trip reports and media
2025 https://youtu.be/QDgsfe65JRg?si=swyjENfeE2hsc9h8