Name of Waterfall

Cole Creek Falls

Description

Cole Creek Falls is a modest, fairly scenic waterfall found on a parcel of private timberland near Easton. The falls drop 68 feet over a rugged cliff into a surprisingly significant and rather impenetrable canyon, spreading out across the cliff face due to the water impacting on a small ledge and exploding outward. Downstream of the falls the creek cascades steeply through boulders, and while there is a possibility for another small waterfall or two to be found downstream, the canyon is rugged enough that scouting it out may be impractical.
Because the drainage basin of Cole Creek is only about 2 square miles in size, and is found on the dry side of the Cascade Crest, the volume of Cole Creek is expected to be considerably seasonal. When we surveyed the falls in May 2015 it was already quite reduced from the apparent high water marks. The drainage basin is entirely above 3300 feet asl, so if the winter snowfall is especially heavy the falls may flow well later into the season, but given the access troubles this may be a moot point.
Additionally, since it appears that this waterfall lies on private timberland, please do not attempt to access the falls should you encounter any No Trespassing signs or other indications that public access is not allowed. As of May 2015 we saw no such indication, and since the roads appear to be maintained by either the State or National Forest Service, it seems likely that access is permitted.

Other Names

[]

Magnitude

16.52

IWC Rating (International Waterfall Classification)

0

Total Height (ft)

68

Tallest Drop

68

Number of Drops

1

Average Width

15

Maximum Width

25

Average High Volume (Cubic ft per second)

15 cfs (7 months)

Average Low Volume (Cubic ft per second)

2 cfs (5 months)

Pitch

80 degrees

Run (ft)

15

Watershed or Feeder Stream

Yakima River Cole Creek