WaterfallNear Me

Cape Horn Falls

Skamania County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
597 ft (182 m)
Location
Skamania County, Washington
Access status
Guide: Gorge loop to a bridge in front of the falls; seasonal falcon closure
The walk
7.2-mile loop (WTA)
Ground & access
Steady climbs and descents; the lower trail is narrow, steep and rocky in places, with talus slopes. About 1,300 feet of climbing.
WTA: Cape Horn
Cape Horn Falls, WA
Cape Horn Falls, WA
Photo creditPhoto: U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Cape Horn Falls is a seasonal, multi-tiered waterfall that drops off the Cape Horn cliffs toward the Columbia River. The Cape Horn Trail starts on the west side of Salmon Falls Road, opposite the Park and Ride. Climb over the top of Cape Horn, then descend 1.2 miles of switchbacks, cross the Bootlegger Bridge and go through the pedestrian underpass beneath Highway 14. Pass Cape Horn Waterfall Overlook and Oak View Overlook, then switchback down and follow the narrow, rocky trail east through two talus slopes to a bridge in front of Cape Horn Falls. Continue east to paved Cape Horn Road and walk 1.3 miles uphill back to the trail sign and underpass. The lower trail beyond Oak View Overlook closes for much of spring and early summer to protect nesting peregrine falcons; then the falls cannot be reached this way.

Plan your visit

Salmon Falls Park and Ride on Highway 14, Cape Horn Trail loop over the top and down to the lower trail, to the bridge in front of Cape Horn Falls, then back via Cape Horn Road

WTA gives 7.2 miles for the full loop. The falls are on the lower part of the loop, beyond Oak View Overlook.

Steady climbs and descents; the lower trail is narrow, steep and rocky in places, with talus slopes. About 1,300 feet of climbing.

Where to start

Skamania County Public Transit Park and Ride at Highway 14 and Salmon Falls Road (milepost 26.4). WTA says no Forest Pass is needed there. Parking is not allowed on the roads next to the trailhead.

Timing & water

The falls flow mainly from autumn to late spring. The lower trail past Oak View Overlook closes each year for much of spring and early summer for nesting peregrine falcons.

Before you go

WTA lists no parking pass for the Park and Ride. No booking is needed.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Washington

Waterfall location

Skamania County, Washington.

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