Are there fees or permits required for Salmon Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Salmon Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Salmon Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Salmon Falls.

Live Conditions · 195 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Salmon Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Salmon Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Salmon Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Photo Credits (5)

Tjflex2 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

jd_hiker CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Tjflex2 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Jaykhuang CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Salmon Falls

Salmon Falls is a small, picturesque cascade on Salmon Creek in Washington, set among the region’s lush, forested surroundings. The spot has a peaceful, tucked-away feel that makes it a pleasant stop for hikers and photographers looking for an intimate waterfall experience rather than a large tourist attraction. Note that “Salmon Falls” is a common name — Wikipedia lists several other features with the same name (for example, the Upper and Lower Salmon Falls on the Snake River near Hagerman, Idaho, and Salmon River Falls in New York) — so be sure you’re headed to the Washington location on local maps. Approach to the falls tends to feel informal rather than highly developed; the setting rewards a little adventurous trekking and offers a serene place to enjoy the creek and surrounding greenery. There’s limited publicly available official land-unit or managing-agency information for this specific site, so consult local maps or landowner notices before visiting and practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the area pristine.

The Setting

Salmon Falls sits at 492 feet along the East Fork Lewis River, in the coastal lowlands of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The approach to Salmon Falls is commonly reported as an out-and-back route of roughly 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Public records provided do not include a USFS trail name or number, nor do they list a formal surface, grade, or trail class; trail conditions can therefore include uneven footing and informal or unmaintained sections. Hikers should come prepared for typical forest tread—sturdy shoes, basic navigation, and readiness for short, steeper sections—and check recent trip reports or local land management notices for the latest access information.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with a small waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The falls are part of Salmon Creek, which may have varying water flow depending on the season.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Salmon Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Salmon Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls can be visited year-round, but spring and early summer may offer the best water flow. Fall provides beautiful foliage, and winter may bring a quieter experience.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and changing water levels. Always prioritize safety and avoid risky areas near the falls.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

195 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

249 331 757 965

Based on 96 years of record

11.21 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

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

EAST FORK LEWIS RIVER NEAR HEISSON, WA

USGS 14222500

5.8 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 125 sq mi

Altitude: 357 ft

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Venersborg hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Salmon Falls is located approximately 3.4 miles from Venersborg, 3.8 miles from Hockinson, and 5.9 miles from Battle Ground. The coordinates for the falls are 45.7578, -122.4245. Access to the falls may require navigating local roads, and visitors should check for specific directions before heading out.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated areas if available. It is recommended to plan ahead and verify parking options.

Elevation

492 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.757805° N, -122.424519° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check local conditions and access information before visiting. Bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain if hiking is required. Cell service may be limited in the area.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Sunset Falls Campground

9.4 miles away · 18 sites

Reservable

Overview Sunset Campground is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Visitors enjoy scenic views of the river and a waterfall within the campground. The campground is open all year. Recreation There are several hiking trails nearby, including the Silver Star trail which offers excellent views of Portland, Oregon. The area is also popular with kayakers that visit the East Fork Lewis River.Facilities Sunset Campground offers 18 standard sites that accommodate tents and RVs (22 feet), but n

Book on Recreation.gov