7 Washington Waterfall Hikes in Southwest Washington You’ll Love
If you’re looking to explore some of the best natural spots in Southwest Washington, waterfalls offer a perfect mix of beauty and easy adventure. The area is packed with stunning cascades framed by lush forests, giving you plenty of reasons to lace up your hiking boots.
These seven waterfall hikes in Southwest Washington stand out for their accessibility, scenic views, and peaceful settings, making them great options for any skill level. Whether you want a quick trip or a longer trek, you’ll find something that fits your pace while soaking in the region’s serene vibes.
Table of Contents
Hamilton Mountain Trail at Beacon Rock State Park
If you’re looking for a solid hike with waterfalls and great views, Hamilton Mountain Trail is a great pick. You’ll find it inside Beacon Rock State Park, just a short drive from Portland.
The trail offers two options: a steep 6-mile out-and-back or a longer 7.5-mile loop. Either way, you’ll pass Rodney Falls, a nice spot to take a break.
Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends, so get there early. Don’t forget you’ll need a Discover Pass to park at the trailhead. Enjoy the forest, wildflowers, and sweeping views along the way.
More details are available on the Washington Trails Association site.
📍 GET THE ULTIMATE PNW MAP 🗺️
Get our curated list of the best adventures, things to do, and places to grab a brew loaded onto your maps with just two clicks!
✅ Waterfalls ✅ Hikes ✅ Viewpoints
✅ Craft breweries ✅ National Parks ✅ 1400+ Pins
Hardy Falls Loop near Highway 14
If you’re near Highway 14, the Hardy Falls Loop is an easy and scenic option. This moderate trail takes you through lush forest and offers views of both Hardy Falls and Rodney Falls.
The loop is just over two miles long, making it a great half-day hike. You’ll follow a well-marked path that includes bridges and switchbacks.
The trail starts near the Hamilton Mountain Trail parking area in Beacon Rock State Park. Along the way, you can enjoy the sound of cascading water and quiet nature scenes. For more details about the route, see this Hardy and Rodney Falls hike information.
Rodney Falls Hike
When you hit the trail to Rodney Falls, expect a mix of forest scenery and bubbling streams. The hike is fairly easy, making it a great choice if you want a quick nature break.
You’ll cross a couple of bridges early on before reaching the main waterfall, where water splits and pours over rocks into the Pool of the Winds. Depending on the season, the flow can be strong or just a trickle.
The trail is part of Beacon Rock State Park, so you get some nice views along the way. It’s perfect if you want to take it easy and soak in a classic Pacific Northwest waterfall experience. Check out more details on the Rodney Falls hike.
Pool of the Winds Trail
You’ll find the Pool of the Winds Trail near Beacon Rock State Park. It’s an easy to moderate hike that stretches about 2.1 miles out and back. The trail takes you past Hardy Falls and Rodney Falls before reaching the Pool of the Winds.
The highlight is the viewpoint right by the pool, where you can feel the spray from the waterfall. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the sound of rushing water. You’ll also get some nice views of the Columbia River Gorge along the way.
A Discovery Pass is required to park at the trailhead. For more details, check out the Hardy Falls and Pool of the Winds trail guide.
Lewis River Falls Trail
The Lewis River Falls Trail is perfect for anyone who enjoys waterfalls and old-growth forests. You’ll hike about six miles and pass three major waterfalls, each with its own vibe. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of mossy trees and wildflowers, especially in late spring.
This trail is family-friendly with mostly gentle terrain, making it great for kids. Just remember, from June to mid-September, you’ll need a permit to access the waterfall trailheads. The mix of scenic river views and roaring falls makes this a solid choice for your Southwest Washington adventures.
Learn more about the trail and tips from Lewis River Falls Trail | Three Roaring Waterfalls | Hiking Highlights.
🏨 Need a place to crash nearby?
From rustic cabins to boutique inns—check prices and availability in just a click.
Cape Horn Trail for Waterfall Views
You’ll find the Cape Horn Trail offers a solid hike with some great waterfall spots along the way. The trail climbs steeply at first, giving you rewarding views of Cape Horn Falls as you move southwest.
Keep an eye out for the Nancy Russell Cape Horn Overlook, which has classic river gorge views. The trail loops about 6 miles, looping back by the river’s edge and passing basalt towers and lava rock fields.
From mid-July to the end of January, the full loop is open, but part of the trail closes during falcon nesting season early in the year. You can get more details on the Cape Horn Trail’s features and seasonal access at the Washington Trails Association page.
Silver Star Falls Trail
If you’re looking for a peaceful hike with a rewarding waterfall, Silver Star Falls Trail is a great choice. The trail takes you through lush forest and leads to a beautiful cascade that’s perfect for a quick break.
The hike is moderate in length, making it suitable for most skill levels. You’ll enjoy quiet surroundings and plenty of shade along the way. Don’t forget your camera—there are lovely spots to capture the falls and surrounding greenery.
Parking is available near the trailhead, and the path is well-marked. It’s a nice option if you want a simple, scenic hike without too much effort.
For more details, check out the Silver Star Mountain and Rock Creek Falls loop guide.
