Dry Creek Falls - Cascade Locks, OR
Dry Creek Falls Dog-Friendly Hiking in Cascade Locks, Oregon
Dry Creek Falls near Cascade Locks, Oregon, is a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry friends. This pet-friendly trail offers a moderate hike with rewarding views of the Columbia River Gorge and several beautiful waterfalls along the way. It’s a favorite for dog owners, as numerous visitors have enjoyed walking their dogs—leashed—amidst the serene forest setting and creekside sounds. With convenient access from the Bridge of the Gods and a good-sized parking lot, it makes for an easy getaway just outside of Portland.
Although not a traditional off-leash dog park, the area is well-loved for dog-friendly hiking. The trail is mostly wide and well-maintained but can be stony, muddy after rain, and features some uphill climbs. There’s plenty of natural shade in forested sections, though some sunny stretches exist. The park also features picnic tables near the falls and restrooms for visitors, making it a comfortable spot to relax after your adventure. Dog owners should remember to bring their own water, waste bags, and keep dogs leashed for everyone’s safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs must remain on a leash on all trails.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs are welcome but must be kept on-leash during your visit.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There are picnic tables available near the falls.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available near the main picnic area.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a good-sized parking lot at the trailhead; if full, additional parking can be found nearby along Frontage Road.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the area features multiple interconnected hiking trails including links to the Pacific Crest Trail.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Trail conditions can become muddy and slippery during or after rain—plan footwear accordingly.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Some sections of the trail offer shade from the trees, though about two-thirds of the route is exposed to the sun.
Reviews
The falls were beautiful and the walk was pretty easy if you hike regularly. We enjoyed it. It is free and the location is right on the Oregon side of Bridge of the Gods. I recommend going to lunch at Thunder Island after the hike as you can walk there. It makes for a nice reward!
The falls were beautiful and the walk was pretty easy if you hike regularly. We enjoyed it. It is free and the location is right on the Oregon side of Bridge of the Gods. I recommend going to lunch at Thunder Island after the hike as you can walk there. It makes for a nice reward!
The falls were beautiful and the walk was pretty easy if you hike regularly. We enjoyed it. It is free and the location is right on the Oregon side of Bridge of the Gods. I recommend going to lunch at Thunder Island after the hike as you can walk there. It makes for a nice reward!
Beautiful falls at the end of a decent hike ! I would call this an easy to moderate hike. Saw plenty of folks with their dogs on leash. So definitely dog friendly. I wouldn’t call it kid friendly for kids younger than 10. Be prepared for a stony path with lots of loose stones. Plenty of viewpoints on the hike to see the beautiful Columbia gorge area.
Beautiful falls at the end of a decent hike ! I would call this an easy to moderate hike. Saw plenty of folks with their dogs on leash. So definitely dog friendly. I wouldn’t call it kid friendly for kids younger than 10. Be prepared for a stony path with lots of loose stones. Plenty of viewpoints on the hike to see the beautiful Columbia gorge area.
Beautiful falls at the end of a decent hike ! I would call this an easy to moderate hike. Saw plenty of folks with their dogs on leash. So definitely dog friendly. I wouldn’t call it kid friendly for kids younger than 10. Be prepared for a stony path with lots of loose stones. Plenty of viewpoints on the hike to see the beautiful Columbia gorge area.
Accessible by starting either at Bridge of the Gods and hiking the PCT, or from Herman Creek. When you reach Dry Creek, take the obvious trail upstream. What makes this falls perhaps interesting is land above is part of a watershed, and for many years in the past the trail to this waterfall was not official, not marked, though legal to visit.
Accessible by starting either at Bridge of the Gods and hiking the PCT, or from Herman Creek. When you reach Dry Creek, take the obvious trail upstream. What makes this falls perhaps interesting is land above is part of a watershed, and for many years in the past the trail to this waterfall was not official, not marked, though legal to visit.
Accessible by starting either at Bridge of the Gods and hiking the PCT, or from Herman Creek. When you reach Dry Creek, take the obvious trail upstream. What makes this falls perhaps interesting is land above is part of a watershed, and for many years in the past the trail to this waterfall was not official, not marked, though legal to visit.
The navigation here was wonky, but I eventually found it.
Its a nice, short, peaceful and easy hike to a decent waterfall. Nothing remarkable, but worth seeing if you have the time. Good sized parking lot. I was the only car there.