Sherman Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Sherman Creek Falls
Sherman Creek Falls is a small, peaceful cascade tucked into the forested slopes of Washington’s Colville National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls make a lovely half-day destination for hikers who want a quiet nature escape without a long backcountry commitment. The setting is quintessential eastern Washington forest—towering trees, shaded creek banks, and the soothing sound of water over rock. The approach to the falls is straightforward but rewarding: the route is a 2.4-mile out-and-back that climbs about 350 feet, giving the hike a moderate rating. The trail threads through mixed forest and offers a close-up view of Sherman Creek as it tumbles toward the falls, making the hike feel intimate and restorative. Bring sturdy footwear for occasional uneven tread and expect a relaxed pace with good opportunities for photos and a short riverside break near the water.
The Setting
Sherman Creek Falls sits at 3,012 feet within Colville National Forest, fed by the Colville River, in the mountains of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail stats (USFS-managed Colville National Forest): 2.4 miles round-trip, 350 feet total elevation gain, rated moderate, out-and-back. The average grade is roughly 2.8% (350 ft gain over 2.4 miles), so the uphill sections are steady but not steep. Surface details and official trail class are not listed by the managing agency; hikers can expect a natural forest tread with occasional roots and rocks. The path is suitable for most hikers who are comfortable with moderate effort—sturdy shoes are recommended and watch for uneven footing near the creek and falls.
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 Sherman Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sherman Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Colville National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and wildlife in the area.
Current Water Conditions
59 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 102 years of record
5.18 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge COLVILLE RIVER AT KETTLE FALLS, WA (22 km away).
Today
Low
67 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
64 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
59 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
63 cfs
3/10Thu
Barely Flowing
61 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid June, peaking in April.
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 Kettle Falls 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 154 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 3,003 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 175 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 146 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,003 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 154 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sherman Creek Falls is located near Kettle Falls, Washington. Visitors can access the falls by driving along Sherman Creek Road. The exact location may require consulting local maps or GPS for accuracy.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited roadside parking available near the falls. Visitors should ensure they park safely and avoid blocking the road.
Elevation
3,012 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.603122° N, -118.359495° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or early summer for the best water flow. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as mosquitoes may be present. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls.
Where to Stay
China Bend Winery Bed and Breakfast
Comfort Inn Colville
Columbia Point Resort
Prospector Inn
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
SNOW PEAK CABIN
6.3 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Snow Peak Cabin is located high in the mountains of northeastern Washington state. It provides a year-round base camp from which guests can access thousands of acres of back country for skiing, hunting and exploration. Depending on the season, guests may also choose to enjoy the extensive system of quality mountain bike, horse and hiking trails that connect with the cabin.The cabin is not accessible by vehicle and the area around the cabin is closed to all forms of motorized use. The win
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Kettle Falls Historical Center, Colville National Forest, and Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes during warmer months.
Cities near Sherman Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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