Secret Waterfalls of the Northwest? Is there really such a thing? Sure, there are hundreds of cascading creeks careening in hidden chasms and canyons across the region far from roads and trails. But our intent is to pleasurably hike to these silvery plundering waterways, not masochistically bushwhack to the ends of the world in pursuit of them.
So by secret, I really mean, not quite discovered. Everyone and their Aunt Tilly from Toledo have probably hiked to Wallace Falls near Stevens Pass and Tunnel Falls in the Columbia Gorge. I don’t blame them — those places are absolutely stunning. But how many of you waterfall aficionados have hiked to the Olympic Peninsula’s Murhut Falls or the North Cascade’s Cedar Falls or the Columbia Gorge’s Herman Creek Falls? I thought so — read on!
Murhut Falls
Roundtrip: 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Hikeable: Year-round
Green Trails Map: The Brothers, WA – No. 168
Pitched back in a hidden and narrow ravine, it’s understandable how these falls were missed by early traipsers and loggers. The trail now accessing them is one of the Olympic National Forest’s newest, making it no surprise why these falls still remain “unknown” and “undiscovered” by many a Puget Sound hiker.
To get to Murhut, follow the little-known but well-maintained trail for a short climb of about 250 feet. Then, before making a short drop into the cataract concealing ravine, catch a glimpse through the trees of Mount Jupiter across the Duckabush Valley. At this point, Murhut’s roar is quite loud. Descend 50 or so feet into the damp, dank, cedar-lined ravine and behold Murhut Falls crashing before you. The upper falls drop over 100 feet while the lower one crashes about 30 feet.
Cedar Falls
Roundtrip: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Hikeable: May to November
Green Trails Map: Washington Pass, WA – No. 50
A lightly traveled trail off the busy North Cascades Highway, Cedar Falls makes for an easy early or late-season jaunt. From the trailhead, head into forest on a wide and well-groomed path high above roaring Cedar Creek. At six-tenths of a mile sneak a peak through the forest across the valley to an impressive cascade tumbling down from Sandy Butte.
Heading farther up-valley the forest canopy thins revealing steep surrounding slopes. At 1.75 miles, the sound of crashing water announces you have arrived at Cedar Falls. Thundering over granite ledges, the two-tiered cataract is an impressive sight. Above the falls a series of rapids prime the river for the plunge, while below a steep and narrow chasm swallows it after its turbulent display.
Walk around to a couple of overhanging ledges for best viewing but be extremely careful on these exposed belvederes.
Herman Creek Falls
Roundtrip: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Hikeable: Year-round
Green Trails Map: Bonneville Dam, OR – No. 429
While nearby Eagle Creek is overflowing with hikers gawking at its numerous displays of cascading waters, the Herman Creek Trail remains relatively quiet. And although this path often keeps a distance from its namesake, it does pass a few tributaries that have a tendency to put on fine waterfall shows.
From the trailhead at the end of the Herman Creek Campground follow the wide trail along old roads for about 1.5 miles where the Nick Eaton Trail diverges left and steeply climbs to view-packed Indian Point.
Continue right on a smooth trail slightly descending through a forest of increasing larger and older trees. At about 2.5 miles from the trailhead reach a gorgeous slender waterfall tumbling down from a basalt ledge. Framed with oaks and maples, it’s another classic Columbia Gorge waterfall — yet missing are the crowds that often line these hydrological attractions.
For a good leg-stretcher, continue up the trail for another 4.5 miles to a gorgeous old-growth cedar grove. A couple more hidden waterfalls await you.
If You Go
Contacts
Murhut Falls: Olympic National Forest: Hood Canal District, Quilcene (360) 765-2200;
www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic
Cedar Falls: Methow Valley Ranger District: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (509) 996-4003; www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka
Herman Creek Falls: Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area (541) 308-1700; www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia
Good References: Find these waterfall hikes and more in my guidebooks; "Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula", "Day Hiking North Cascades", and the upcoming "Day Hiking Columbia Gorge" (Mountaineers Books).
Getting you on your way
Trailhead Directions
Murhut Falls: From Shelton, drive north on U.S. 101 for 37 miles turning left at Milepost 310 onto the Duckabush River Road. Continue for 6.3 miles to a junction just beyond the Duckabush River Bridge. Bear right following a good gravel road for 1.3 miles to the trailhead.
Cedar Falls: From Marblemount follow the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) east for 70 miles to Klipchuck Campground. Just beyond turn right onto FR 200 (signed for Cedar Creek) following for one mile to the trailhead at its terminus
Herman Creek Falls: From Portland follow I-84 east to Exit 44. Continue two miles through Cascade Locks following signs for Herman Campground and the Oxbow Fish Hatchery. After 1.7 miles turn right into Herman Campground and proceed four-tenths of a mile to trailhead.
Fees/Restrictions: Northwest Forest Pass required at all. Dogs permitted at all; leash required at Herman Creek Falls.
Craig Romano is Trails Editor of Outdoors NW and is the author of a half dozen Northwest hiking guidebooks including his latest “Winter Hikes of Western Washington” card deck (Mountaineers Books). Visit him at http://CraigRomano.com. |
