Is swimming allowed at Fish Ladder Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Fish Ladder Falls.

Live Conditions · 363 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Fish Ladder Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Fish Ladder Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Fish Ladder Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Gifford Pinchot National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

vanherdehaage CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Northwest Rafting Company CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

vanherdehaage CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

jenn2d2 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Fish Ladder Falls

Fish Ladder Falls is a small but fascinating waterfall tucked into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The cascade is named for the adjacent fish ladder system that helps salmon and other migratory fish move upstream; the falls aren’t tall, but their close integration with that infrastructure makes the site especially interesting to wildlife watchers and photographers. Access to the viewing area ties into the USFS Cowlitz Horse Trail (Trail #44A), so the feel is forested and natural rather than developed. If you’re planning an overnight stay, La Wis Wis Campground sits about 6.9 km away, offering a convenient base for exploring the falls and nearby trails.

The Setting

Fish Ladder Falls sits at 2,779 feet within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the hills of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Cowlitz Horse (#44A), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

COWLITZ HORSE #44A

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.09 mi

Trail Description

The route to Fish Ladder Falls uses a short USFS-managed segment on the Cowlitz Horse Trail (Trail #44A). That USFS trail segment is native-surface (NAT), rated Class 3 with typical grades of 12–20% and a mapped GIS length of about 0.09 miles, so expect uneven tread and some steeper, scrambly sections. The full outing is typically done as a 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, a moderate difficulty overall. Hikers should be prepared for natural tread and short steep pitches rather than paved, fully accessible pathways.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Fish Ladder Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $0.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Fish Ladder Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as these are the peak seasons for salmon migration.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Gifford Pinchot National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Stay on designated paths and viewing platforms. Do not attempt to enter the water near the falls or fish ladder, as currents can be strong and dangerous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

363 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.05 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA

USGS 14226500

10.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 287 sq mi

Altitude: 1,051 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

363 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

414 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

392 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

360 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

366 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

390 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

398 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

405 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid July, peaking in June.

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 Packwood hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 153 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 2,792 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 165 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 145 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Fish Ladder Falls near Packwood, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Fish Ladder Falls near Packwood, Washington, showing about 153 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 2,792 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 153 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Fish Ladder Falls is located near the Bonneville Dam in the Columbia River Gorge. Visitors can access the area via Interstate 84, exiting at Bonneville Dam. Follow signs to the visitor center and fish ladder viewing area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Bonneville Dam Visitor Center, which provides access to the falls and fish ladder.

Elevation

2,779 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.707335° N, -121.511476° W

Land Management

Gifford Pinchot National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the salmon migration season (spring and fall) for the best chance to see fish using the ladder. Bring binoculars for a closer look at the fish and the surrounding wildlife.

Where to Stay

Lafa Cabin - Luxe A Frame Retreat with Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit- 5 Min to Mt Rainier

10.0 4 reviews

See all hotels near Wilkeson

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

La Wis Wis Campground

4.3 miles away · 113 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated at the confluence of three waterways near Mount Rainier, La Wis Wis is nestled under a canopy of towering Douglas firs and red cedars. The handful of sites that dot the riverbank enjoy the most sunshine. With an abundance of activities nearby, La Wis Wis is a popular destination for long-stay camping. Its proximity to Mount Rainier National Park makes it an excellent base for exploring all of the area's natural wonders. Recreation Hikers can easily access the Blue Hole Trail and

Book on Recreation.gov