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While there are apparently several waterfalls upstream of this point, Doc's Drop is the first major waterfall of the Washougal River. Curiously, it also appears to be the only major waterfall along the river without an official name (or else I haven't come across it yet). The falls consist of some small cascades, then a steep, almost sheer drop of over 15 feet across a jagged rock face.
- Docs Drop is the Adopted name of this waterfall.
The name of the falls was coined by local kayaker Val Shaull after his friend, Doc Loomis found the falls quite enamoring. The name first appeared (to the best of my knowledge) in the first edition of A Guide to the Whitewater Rivers of Washington, by Jeff Bennett.
The falls are located along the Washougal River, about 20 miles NE of Washougal. There are two ways to reach the falls. For those of you coming from the east along SR 14, watch for Salmon Falls Road, which branches off of SR 14 about 10 miles west of the Bridge of the Gods or 3 miles east of the Cape Horn viewpoint. Drive 3 miles along Salmon Falls road to the bridge across the Washougal River, where Salmon Falls can be seen just upstream. Turn right at the intersection immediately beyond and continue for another 5 miles to the second bridge over the Washougal River where Dougan Falls can be seen to the right. Coming from the west, the easiest way to reach the falls is as follows. In Washougal, approximately 9 miles east of Interstate 205, turn north onto SR 140. After about 10 miles, 140 becomes the Washougal River road. Continue for approximately 7 miles (passing Salmon Falls Road after about 2 miles) to the Dougan Falls bridge. From Dougan Falls, turn right on the gravel extension of the Washougal River Road (a sign points towards Stevenson), and follow for another 2.5 miles, just past the Stebbins Creek bridge, to a pullout on the river side of the road. The falls are visible from the road, but require a quick scramble down to the base of the falls for clear views. Note - there are "No Trespassing" signs lining the river in this area. It's unclear whether these are legit or false, but there doesn't appear to be any development in the area.
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