Crooked Creek Falls
Washington • 50 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
3D terrainBefore you go
The Yakama Nation opens the Mount Adams Recreation Area only for a short late-summer season (July 17 to Sept. 8 in 2026) and charges a day-use fee, and it issued a fire closure order in August 2026. Confirm open dates with Yakama Nation (509-865-5121 ext. 4613) before going.
Photo Credits (1)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Crooked Creek Falls
Crooked Creek Falls drops about 50 feet over a cliff on Crooked Creek in the Bird Creek Meadows area on the southeast flank of Mount Adams, inside the Yakama Nation's Mount Adams Recreation Area (Tract D). It is about 1.3 miles from the Bird Lake trailhead on the Bird Lake Trail, and a short side path leads closer to the falls. The area is tribal land that opens only for a short season in late summer and charges a day-use fee.
The Setting
Crooked Creek Falls sits at 6,145 feet within Yakama Nation Reservation, in the high mountains of Washington. The falls drop 50 feet.
Height: 50 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the Bird Lake trailhead, follow the Bird Lake Trail about 1.3 miles, crossing Crooked Creek on bridges, to a short side trail to the falls, about 2.6 miles round trip. The trail makes a sharp left turn at the second bridge that is easy to miss. The trail continues as part of the Bird Creek Meadows loop (about 4.7 to 6.6 miles).
What to Expect
The falls drop 50 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Crooked Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed on Bird Creek Meadows trails, according to WTA; confirm with the Yakama Nation.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $20.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at the trailhead. Passes can be purchased online or at local vendors.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Crooked Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery, especially after rain. Watch for loose rocks and roots. Carry a first aid kit and let someone know your plans before heading out. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Klickitat River, 12.9 miles away, not on Crooked Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
109 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 68 years of record
1.20 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge KLICKITAT RIVER ABOVE WEST FORK NEAR GLENWOOD, WA (21 km away).
Today
Moderate
109 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
119 cfs
8/10Sat
Strong
130 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
127 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
139 cfs
8/10Tue
Strong
131 cfs
8/10Wed
Strong
131 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Trout Lake hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Crooked Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 4 more freezing days forecast
Crooked Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 42°F to 39°F. 4 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 3 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 4 of the next 7
- Flow
- 113 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Washington.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain Around Crooked Creek Falls
High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.
The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From Trout Lake, take the right fork north at the gas station and follow signs for the Mount Adams Recreation Area and Bird Creek Meadows on Forest Road 82. The road turns to gravel, then becomes a narrow, rough road past the Tract D pay station near Mirror Lake. Take the left fork just past Mirror Lake to Bird Lake.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Bird Lake trailhead at the south end of Bird Lake, which has a toilet. A Yakama Nation day-use parking pass is required.
Elevation
6,145 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.147066° N, -121.454526° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB Restricted Access
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check the Yakama Nation's open dates before driving up; the road is long and slow. The higher loop through Bird Creek Meadows passes wildflower meadows in August.
This trail sits at 6,145 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 25% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Takhlakh Lake Campground
11.5 miles away · 54 sites
Overview Takhlakh Lake Campground sits at an elevation of 4,400 feet in a well-shaded location next to its namesake lake. The campground sits at the base of Mt. Adams, providing visitors with incredible views in every direction. The campground has a short season, but it's a particularly popular destination for hikers exploring the trails around Mt. Adams. Recreation The campsite offers access to the Takhlakh Loop, an accessible trail suitable for all ages and skill levels and the Takhlakh Meadow
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Nearby Attractions
Bird Creek Meadows, Hellroaring Viewpoint, Bird Lake and Mirror Lake, and the town of Trout Lake.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and other larger animals, especially during dawn and dusk.
Cities near Crooked Creek Falls
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