Only a short distance away, some of these great falls are often overlooked
By James Baggett Senior Features Reporter
If you have lived in the Portland area for any length of time it's likely you have visited the famous Multnomah Falls and the other easily accessible waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway. If not, do so soon. Travel east on I-84, take exit 22 and get onto this scenic route that offers incredible views of the Columbia River Gorge and numerous waterfalls.
Fortunately, these are only a few of the beautiful waterfalls that grace the Portland area. The following hikes, chosen for their close proximity to the city, vary in difficulty and length, but are united by one common characteristic: All include a feature that involves water cascading down a cliff.
Fish Creek No. 715
This moderately difficult 15-mile round-trip trail takes hikers along the Clackamas River near Fish Creek Mountain. At times, the trail leads right by the water, and at times it takes you upward to look down upon this mountain river. Small waterfalls roll down the cliffs throughout the hike. Halfway through the hike, a trail spur leads to Pup Creek Falls, a beautiful and secluded cascade and a perfect spot to break for lunch.
The drive: I-205 South. Exit 12B toward Clackamas puts you on Highway 212/224. Next, exit onto Highway 224 towards Estacada. Sixteen miles past Estacada, the road will cross the Clackamas River. After this, take a right on Fish Creek Road and follow to the parking lot. The trailhead is here.
Silver Falls Loop
Located in Silver Falls State Park, this gentle 9-mile trail takes visitors past 10 stunning waterfalls, the most breathtaking being 177-foot South Falls. From the trailhead, take a right, as the trail to the left only leads beside the highway. This is also a great mountain biking trail. Note that dogs are not allowed on this trail. Do not be surprised to find crowds around this area. Its close proximity to Salem and sheer beauty make this a popular destination.
The drive: I-5 South into Salem. Take the Highway 22 exit to the east and then turn left onto Highway 214, which leads straight to the park.
Siouxon Creek Trail
Located across the Columbia River and north of Vancouver, Siouxon Creek Trail delivers a total of 22 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. Mostly located within a creek bed, there are many loops and trail options in this area, so consult a trail map. Waterfalls and other water features are abundant in the area and easily accessed from the trail. For spectacular views of the Cascade Mountain Range, trek up Horseshoe Ridge, a 6-mile side trip.
The drive: I-5 North to the exit in Woodland, Wash., toward Cougar on Highway 503. Follow until the town of Yale. Turn south on 503 towards Amboy. Before Amboy, in Chelatchie, turn east on Northeast Healy Road. This turns into Forest Road 37. From here take a left onto Forest Road 57, and then a left again onto Forest Road 5701. There are two trailheads: one at the distinctly sharp switchback and another at the end of the road.
Falls Creek Falls
This easy 3-mile trip features an elegant yet powerful three-section waterfall at the end of the path, where water seemingly falls down from the forest above. The final stage of the falls careens 100 feet into a punchbowl, perfect for a dip in the heat of the day.
The drive: Take I-84 east to the Cascade Locks exit. Cross the Columbia and take Highway 30 north for 15 miles to Forest Service Road 3062. Turn right and drive another 1.5 miles and take a right on Forest Service Road 57. The trailhead is a 1/4 mile up this road.
Starvation Ridge Trail
This takes you along a ridge that displays breathtaking views of the Columbia River. The first mile of this 11-mile hike eases through creek beds and waterfalls. However, it becomes much more strenuous after this. It is a steep climb up to Warren Lake; however, once there, enjoy the beauty of this small and secluded lake. So as not to backtrack down the same trail, when leaving Warren Lake continue on the trail up to Mount Defiance, which offers its own spectacular views and ultimately loops back to the original trailhead.
The drive: I-84 east to exit 55, park at the Starvation Creek State Park rest area. The trail will begin along a fence line along I-84 before the ascent begins.
