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 · 47 ft³/s · 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 Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 6 other waterfalls also named Salmon Falls, see below

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

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

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

Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

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 5 hours ago Roaring

47 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

42 49 116 297

Based on 96 years of record

10.17 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.

EAST FORK LEWIS RIVER NEAR HEISSON, WA

USGS 14222500

5.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 125 sq mi

Altitude: 357 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EAST FORK LEWIS RIVER NEAR HEISSON, WA (9 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

47 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

53 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

54 cfs

8/10

Sun

Roaring

50 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

52 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

54 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

56 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

56 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to late January, peaking in December.

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 Venersborg 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.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 106 feet through Salmon Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 493 feet.

The ground changes about 51 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 28 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Salmon Falls near Venersborg, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Salmon Falls near Venersborg, Washington, showing about 106 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 493 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 106 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

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.

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