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The uppermost of the two final waterfalls along Rock Creek is more or less the exact opposite of its downstream sibling - wide and stout versus tall and powerful. Rock Creek sheets out over cheese grater-style bedrock (I believe the same conglomerate as the lower falls), widens to over 150 feet and thunders about 40 feet over this impressive falls. The trick to this waterfall is finding the proper public access. Several homes butt up against Rock Creek on either side of the falls, and the trails which used to follow the creek downstream have since eroded away and fallen into the creek. Currently the only way to reach the falls is by crossing through an old cemetery and hopping its rear fence to pick up the path behind it. If you decide to visit this location, be sure to be courteous of adjacent landowners and do not go somewhere you feel is intrusive to their privacy.
- Upper Rock Creek Falls is the Historical name of this waterfall.
- Known Alternate Names: Rock Creek Falls
This waterfalls appeared on early postcards as Upper Rock Creek Falls as more of a differentiation from its downstream sibling. More recently the falls have been referred to as just Rock Creek Falls, likely more out of lack of knowledge of the lower falls as well as development around the gorge stemming access to both waterfalls.
This one is a little tricky to find, so be sure to have a good map and a keen eye for street signs. The easiest way to access the falls is to take Highway 14 one mile west of Stevenson to Rock Creek Drive (also signed as Second Street or Foster Creek Road in some places) and turn north, passing the Skamania Lodge and Resort (use this as a landmark for the proper turnoff). In ¾ mile, turn left onto Ryan Allen Road. Very shortly thereafter, turn right onto 1 Man Cemetery Road (usually mislabeled as Iman Cemetery) and follow for about ¾ miles, then turn right onto Falls Road and watch for the driveway for the Cemetery on the left. The only way to access this waterfall without trespassing is to walk through the cemetary (which is publicly accessible) and hop the rear fence and follow the old path a few hundred feet to the falls, or to follow the creek upstream 1/4 mile from the lower falls (which may or may not involve getting wet and could only be done in the summer). Please tread lightly if you opt for the cemetary approach - the neighboring property owners land borders closely to the falls. Should any No Trespassing signs be encountered, please obey them.
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