Hiking to spectacular Spirit Falls, Washington

A thundering waterfall, turquoise water and heart-pumping rock scrambles are among the highlights of hiking to Spirit Falls Washington in the Columbia River Gorge.

Located near the communities of Underwood and Cook, this is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Washington State thanks to the power of the water cascading off the cliffside which flows down into the Little White Salmon River. While it’s a short out-and-back that only takes 15-20 minutes each way, prepare for a grind; the mile-long trail is rated as challenging due to the very steep terrain and rocky, uneven pathway.

The trailhead is a 20 minute drive from Hood River, and about an hour from Portland.

The Spirit Falls hike

A pebbled path leads straight from the road to a viewpoint overlooking the Gorge, and winds left down the hillside. The talus slope has large chunks of loose rocks and debris with a big drop-off on one side, so this hike requires skill and concentration right from the start.

After a couple of minutes, there’s a hard left turn into the trees that leads down to the waterfall. If you miss it, you’ll realize it right away since the only other option is to head straight up a ridge. While the quick scramble is worth it for the river views, this section is pretty dodgy.

Back on the trail, you’ll soon see a rope wrapped around the trees which serves as a guide and helps prevent falls. Follow it down for a few minutes, and eventually you’ll arrive at a slope of vibrant, moss-covered stones and hear the roar of the falls.

Cross over a trickling fall, then the aquamarine hues of Spirit Falls quickly come into view around the bend. Plunging 33 feet into a swirling whirlpool and surrounded by dramatic cliffs, the scene is absolutely breathtaking.

On sunny days the light creates rainbows that beam over the rushing water, making this one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Washington.

Time your trip right, and you might even spot some expert kayakers running the falls.

How to get to Spirit Falls Washington

The trailhead for the Spirit Falls hike is just north of Drano Lake on the Columbia River Gorge Washington side, a few minutes’ drive up Cook-Underwood Road off the Lewis and Clark Highway (Hwy 14). While it’s not marked, there are usually a few vehicles parked in the gravel pullout where the trail starts.

Spirit Falls is occasionally closed due to fire danger so check for trail closures prior to heading out. Some unofficial access points cross over private property, so ensure to stick to the main trail to avoid trespassing.

Dogs are allowed provided they’re on a leash; however, it might be better to leave Fido at home due to the challenging terrain and steep drop-offs. This trail is not recommended during inclement weather.

Since the Spirit Falls hike is relatively short, consider combining it with the nearby Beacon Rock hike, heading up Wind Mountain or over to Dog Mountain which is especially popular during spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

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Tamara Elliott

Tamara Elliott is the travel editor and founder of The Gorge Guide, which highlights the best experiences in the Columbia River Gorge. She’s an award-winning writer based in Hood River, Oregon, who particularly loves the area wineries and waterfall hikes. Tamara is also the founder of Globe Guide, which offers savvy tips for exploring destinations around the world.