Duncan Creek Falls

Duncan Creek Falls can be found west of Beacon Rock State Park on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. From Highway 14 in the small town of Skamania, turn north onto Duncan Creek Road (about 2 miles west of Beacon Rock). Follow the road for 2.8 miles to a bridge over Duncan Creek and a large paved turnaround area just beyond (marked by a "End of County Maintained Road" sign) and park. Walk back to the bridge over the creek and find the unmarked trail leading upstream from a campsite next to the creek. The falls are visible through some trees about 1/5 of a mile up, but scrambling down to the creek at the base of the falls is necessary to get close.Duncan Creek Falls is a very uniquely shaped and very attractive little waterfall tucked in a forgotten corner of the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. The falls begin as Duncan Creek slides over a pitched rock and splits into two streams. The larger volume channel flumes and bounces down down a narrow slot before pooling at the bottom. The smaller channel veils over a more vertical cliff into a narrow rock filled pool before stepping down two smaller, more delicate tiers and converging with the rest of the creek. Unfortunately thanks to the thick foliage in the canyon, a clear view of the whole formation isn't possible, so its necessary to get up close and see parts of it separately. While much more difficult to see, there are several more small waterfalls found along Duncan Creek in the quarter mile upstream from this waterfall which can be seen by continuing along the trail. Most of them are in the 5-10 foot tall range but one of them may stand close to 20 feet (unfortunately it's quite difficult to photograph).