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Carson Creek Falls is an obscure and likely rarely visited waterfall found on the outskirts of the town of Carson on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. The falls drop 82 feet into a verdant glen, with moss and ferns coating much of the surface of the gully around and immediately downstream of the falls. Just below the falls are several rusted and broken pipes and chunks of metal which seem to indicate that the basin below the falls was used as either the water supply for the town of Carson, or to power a mill of some sort a short distance downstream.
As it currently stands, Carson Creek still may serve as the water supply for Carson, so please be on your best and most courteous behavior when visiting. Unfortunately some of the local population seems to think less of the area, as much of the forested slope which is descended to reach the falls is littered with garbage - including among other things several partially used bags of concrete, a couch and at least two ripped and tattered tarps. Fortunately none of this trash has migrated down to the creek itself.
Finally, there is a possibility that this waterfall does lie on private property but as of May 2012 when we surveyed the site there was no indication of such or that public access was not allowed. Should you attempt to visit the falls and encounter No Trespassing or Posted signs, please respect the rights of the property owner and do not continue to the falls.
- Carson Creek Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall.
Given the close proximity of the falls to the town of Carson and the old pipes seen near the base of the falls, we would not at all be surprised if this waterfall was named at some time in the past. Until we can find any sort of documentation which indicates such, we'll have to stick with a generic title for its watercourse.
Carson Creek Falls is found just outside the town of Carson, off the Wind River Highway on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Take Highway 14 to the conspicuously marked turn off to Carson (the Wind River Highway) and drive up the hill for one mile to Carson Creek Road and then turn left. Follow Carson Creek Road, which makes a hard left and crosses Carson Creek, then bends right and climbs steeply, for 8/10ths of a mile to an unmarked dirt road which branches right (the paved road dead-ends shortly beyond). Park here and walk up the dirt road for about 250 feet to where the falls can be heard in the gully below. Find an acceptable spot to drop down to the creek and follow the open forested slope down to the stream, then work up to the base of the falls. The bushwhack is fairly easy but there are one or two spots which can be tricky (and shouldn't be attempted when it has been raining). It will be necessary to cross the creek at least once to see the falls without obstructions.
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