Rock Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Rock Creek Falls
Rock Creek Falls is a quiet, scenic waterfall tucked into a forested corner of Washington, offering a peaceful escape for day hikers and nature lovers. The falls are most commonly reached via a moderate 2.5-mile out-and-back hike that climbs about 500 feet, making it an achievable half-day outing for steady hikers who enjoy shady woodlands and the sound of tumbling water. The trail threads through dense forest with dappled light and occasional glimpses of the surrounding landscape, creating a tranquil setting for photography or a picnic near the falls. If you’re planning to camp before or after your hike, the Rock Creek Recreation Site sits roughly 17.02 km away and can serve as a nearby basecamp.
The Setting
Rock Creek Falls sits at 1,699 feet along the Palouse River, in the hills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.5 miles (out-and-back), elevation gain: ~500 feet, difficulty: Moderate. The path is a well-marked natural footpath—mostly dirt—running about 1.25 miles each way with a steady, moderate climb; expect uneven terrain with exposed roots and occasional muddy sections after rain. The route is a non-technical day-hike suitable for hikers comfortable on moderate grades and informal forest trails.
What to Expect
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 Rock Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at the trailhead.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rock Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain, and visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall to avoid accidents. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 30.2 miles away
39 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 91 years of record
3.12 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PALOUSE RIVER AT HOOPER, WA (49 km away).
Today
Moderate
39 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
40 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
42 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
41 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
43 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
46 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
48 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to early May, peaking in March.
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 St. John 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 40 feet of drop through Rock Creek Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,696 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 33 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 42 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,696 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 40 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Rock Creek Falls is located near Stevenson, Washington, in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Access is typically via forest roads, which may require a high-clearance vehicle depending on conditions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,699 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.108871° N, -117.766239° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trail can be slippery in wet conditions. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider bug spray during warmer months.
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With 2.5 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
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
Rock Creek Recreation Site
10.6 miles away · 0 sites
Within BLM’s Rock Creek Management Area, Rock Creek flows through Channeled Scablands, formed approximately 12,000 years ago by massive Glacial Lake Missoula floods. Striking landscapes and geologic features including buttes, mesas, and columnar basalt outcrops enhance the beauty of perennial Rock Creek.The area’s developed Rock Creek Recreation Site is located within view of Rock Creek. It is the area’s primary parking and excursion starting point, via its multiple trailheads, as well as for ove
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Panther Creek Falls and the Columbia River Gorge, both offering additional hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes during warmer months.
Cities near Rock Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Rock Creek Falls
4 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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