Irene Creek Falls

Irene Creek Falls are one of the visual highlights for kayakers on the Cascade River. Unfortunately, they aren't a highlight for many else. While pretty from the road, having to view the falls at a distance of close to ¼ mile, and largely obscured by trees and the twisting gorge, the falls are difficult to really appreciate from a distance. Irene Creek drops into the valley of the Cascade River from a very thin hanging valley. Looking at the narrow canyon from across the valley, it's evident that the falls are several hundred feet tall, but the only visible portion of the falls is the final 75-100 feet. The best views require bushwhacking down to the banks of the Cascade River from the road - something that most probably aren't willing to do. Should the falls be seen from the river, the rating would likely deserve to be raised.