Are there fees or permits required for Shipherd Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Shipherd Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Shipherd Falls.

Shipherd Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Shipherd Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Shipherd Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

3D terrain

Gifford Pinchot National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Northwest Rafting Company CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Shipherd Falls

Shipherd Falls is a peaceful waterfall tucked into Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Framed by lush forest, the site offers a quiet spot for photographers and day hikers looking to experience a woodland waterfall without the crowds common at larger parks. The setting feels secluded and natural, a good option for those seeking a short forest escape inside a national forest. Access to the falls is via a moderately paced forest hike that delivers classic Pacific Northwest scenery — mossy trees, ferns, and a cool canopy — and is best enjoyed outside of peak holiday hours. Because the falls lie on USFS-managed land, visitors should follow U.S. Forest Service regulations and Leave No Trace principles while exploring the area.

The Setting

Shipherd Falls sits at 187 feet within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, fed by the Wind River, in the coastal lowlands of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Metlako Falls (101 ft) lies 8.8 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Punch Bowl Falls (35 ft, 9.1 mi).

Metlako Falls Punch Bowl Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

USFS records list the route to Shipherd Falls as a 2.4-mile out-and-back with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The trail type is out-and-back; specific USFS details for trail surface, grade, and class are not provided in the available data, so hikers should be prepared for typical forest trail conditions and moderate climbs. Plan for sturdy footwear, allow time for stopping at viewpoints, and check current conditions with the U.S. Forest Service before heading out.

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 Shipherd Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Shipherd Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and fall are ideal for visiting Shipherd Falls, as the water flow is typically higher, and you may witness salmon migration.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Gifford Pinchot National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the water, as the rocks can be slippery. Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the environment or putting yourself at risk.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge WIND RIVER NEAR CARSON, WA (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

141 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

161 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

150 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

140 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

140 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

151 cfs

3/10

Wed

Low

157 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

172 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid April, peaking in February.

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 Carson hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain Around Shipherd Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

Aerial view of the ground around Shipherd Falls near Carson, Washington

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

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Shipherd Falls is located near Carson, Washington, within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It can be accessed via Wind River Highway. The falls are situated near the Carson National Fish Hatchery.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Carson National Fish Hatchery, which provides access to the falls. Availability may vary depending on the season.

Elevation

187 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.738173° N, -121.806188° W

Land Management

Gifford Pinchot National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during salmon migration seasons (spring and fall) to see fish using the ladder. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be damp or slippery. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

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

EAGLE CREEK CAMPGROUND

8.8 miles away · 17 sites

Reservable

Overview Eagle Creek campground is located above Interstate 84 among tall trees. It was the first developed campground in the Forest Service system. Campsites are well-spaced creating a feeling of privacy. It is, however, located on the bluff above Interstate 84 and railroad tracks so it can be noisy.Recreation This campground is part of the Eagle Creek Recreation Area featuring the classic and popular Eagle Creek trail and access to several other hiking and road biking trails. There are outstand

Book on Recreation.gov