Parent Review: 3 waterfall hikes in one day in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

We tackled three waterfall hikes in one day with our 3½-year-old daughter as part of a weekend getaway to southwest Washington. Since the waterfalls are all within about 15 minutes to an hour of each other, they fit together surprisingly well into a single day of exploring.

Two of the waterfalls are just short walks from the parking area, while Falls Creek Falls is the main adventure — a 3.4-mile round-trip hike that our daughter walked for much of the way. We paired the itinerary with an overnight stay near Portland before heading out for another day of adventure.

Quick Facts

• Waterfalls: Lower Lewis River Falls, Falls Creek Falls, and Panther Creek Falls
• Admission/Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
• Best for Ages: 5+ years old. We did this with our then-toddler (3 ½ year old)
• Time Needed: One full day with a plan to stay overnight in nearby cities like Camas or Portland
• Parking: Yes

Our Experience

We left Bellevue around 7 a.m., knowing it would be a full day on the road and the trail.

Stop 1: Lower Lewis River Falls

Our first stop was Lower Lewis River Falls, which is only a short walk from the parking lot. We were immediately impressed by the sheer size of the falls. Stretching nearly 200 feet across, it was roaring with early summer runoff against a backdrop of bright green forest.

We tried making our way closer to the base, but the river was running high enough that we’d have soaked our boots almost immediately, so we settled for enjoying the view from above.

Stop 2: Falls Creek Falls

Falls Creek Falls was the centerpiece of our day. The final drive to the trailhead is on a gravel forest road with a few potholes, but our SUV handled it without any problems.

The trail starts out gently before climbing through thick forest, wildflowers and creek crossings. Less than half a mile in, we reached a suspension bridge spanning the gorge below.

Like most kids, our daughter thought the bridge was an attraction all by itself. She happily walked back and forth across it several times before we convinced her to continue.

From there, the trail becomes narrower with several sections where we kept her close and held hands because of the drop-offs beside the creek. After a little over a mile, the reward came into view.

The three-tiered Falls Creek Falls is one of those waterfalls that gives you goosebumps. It felt divine and majestic, all at once. There is only a small space to sit and enjoy the falls, so we spent about 20 minutes relaxing and taking photos before beginning the hike back.

Stop 3: Panther Creek Falls

Our final stop was Panther Creek Falls, which is less than a half-mile round trip.

Even after a full day of hiking, this one felt manageable because the viewpoint is so close to the parking area. The short trail is steep but includes wooden railings for most of the descent.

By this point, though, our legs were definitely feeling the day’s adventures. After one last waterfall stop, we headed to our overnight stay near Portland to rest before another day of exploring.

Highlights

What I loved most about this itinerary is that every waterfall offers something completely different.

• Lower Lewis River Falls impresses with its sheer width and power.
• Falls Creek Falls provides the biggest adventure, complete with a suspension bridge, forest hiking and one of the most spectacular waterfalls I’ve seen in Washington.
• Panther Creek Falls is the perfect way to end the day, rewarding very little walking with another beautiful viewpoint.

Amenities & Accessibility

• All three waterfalls require either a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
• Cell service is very limited throughout Gifford Pinchot National Forest, so download maps before leaving home.
• There are very few food options once you’re inside the forest, so pack plenty of water, snacks and lunch for the day.
• Dogs are allowed on leash throughout the trails.

Parent Tips

• Download offline maps before entering the forest.
• Pack enough food and water for a full day — services are very limited.
• Bring extra clothes for kids who want to splash in the creeks.
• Visit between May and early July for the strongest waterfall flow.
• Falls Creek Falls is the biggest hike of the day, so start there if you’re only planning to do one trail.
• We actually appreciate seeing other hikers on these trails when we’re with our daughter — it adds a little extra peace of mind in more remote areas.

Would We Come Back?

Absolutely. Gifford Pinchot National Forest is quickly becoming one of my favorite weekend adventure destinations in Washington. There are still so many family-friendly hikes we want to explore, and next time I’d love to camp inside the forest instead of staying in the city.

Keep Exploring

Looking for your next family hike? Here are three more Seattle’s Child parent reviews to inspire your next outdoor adventure:

• Parent Review: Comet Falls Trail — Ready for a bigger challenge? This adventurous Mount Rainier hike features three spectacular waterfalls, rocky scrambles, suspension bridges and one of the park’s most impressive waterfall viewpoints.
• Parent Review: Heather Lake Trail — Discover what it’s really like to tackle one of Washington’s most popular alpine lake hikes with a 4½-year-old, including trail conditions, what to pack and family-friendly tips.
• Parent Review: Bench and Snow Lakes — Two alpine lakes, sandy shores and incredible mountain scenery make this shorter Mount Rainier hike a favorite for families looking for maximum reward with fewer miles.