Outlet Falls waterfall

Outlet Falls

Washington 69 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Yakama Nation Reservation TRIBL · DESG
Photo Credits (5)
1.
2.
@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr
3.
Brokentaco CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
4.
Brokentaco CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
5.
Brokentaco CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Outlet Falls

Outlet Falls is a striking 69-foot plunge in Klickitat County, Washington, located several miles east of the town of Glenwood. The cascade pours from Outlet Creek into a huge basalt bowl at the head of Klickitat Canyon — a canyon the creek has eroded into an approximately 200-foot-deep chasm. Outlet Creek’s flow is sustained by several spring-fed tributaries and by agricultural runoff from surrounding farmland, giving the falls a perennial character. The falls sit on the Yakama Nation Reservation (land owner: DESG) and are managed by the tribal authorities (designation: TRIBL, manager: TRIB), so visitors should be respectful of tribal land and regulations. Remote and dramatic, Outlet Falls is a rewarding short outing for photographers and anyone looking for a quiet, scenic overlook into Klickitat Canyon.

The Setting

Outlet Falls sits at 1,604 feet within Yakama Nation Reservation, in the hills of Washington. The falls drop 69 feet.

Height: 69 feet

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 0.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Outlet Falls is a short 0.5-mile out-and-back with roughly 100 feet of elevation change and is generally rated easy. The route features a slight descent to a viewing area that looks down into the bowl where the 69-foot plunge meets Klickitat Canyon. The path can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain, so use caution on the approach. There is no USFS trail number or detailed USFS surface/grade/class data listed for this route.

What to Expect

The falls drop 69 feet. 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 Outlet Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Outlet Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Outlet Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the canyon edge, as there are no guardrails. The trail can be slippery after rain. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Outlet Falls is located near the town of Glenwood, Washington. From Glenwood, take Glenwood-Goldendale Road and look for a small pullout near the falls. The trailhead is unmarked but accessible from the roadside.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited roadside parking available near the trailhead. Visitors should park carefully to avoid blocking the road.

Elevation

1604 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.017901° N, -121.173686° W

Land Management

Yakama Nation Reservation TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Where to Stay

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Nearby Campground

Atkisson Group camp

21.2 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Sitting just west of Washington's second largest mountain, Mt. Adams, Atkisson Group Camp is open for campers between May and September and becomes a sno-park for a variety of activities in winter. The flat, forested terrain makes Atkisson a popular spot for hikers, mountain bikers and winter sports enthusiasts.Recreation The flat terrain surrounding Atkisson is ideal for biking and hiking during the warmer months. Huckleberry and mushroom picking is permitted, and Nordic skiing and and

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Mount Adams Recreation Area.

Wildlife

The area around Outlet Falls is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring.

Cities near Outlet Falls

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