Quartz Creek Falls

Take Interstate 5 to the town of Woodland, and exit onto Highway 503 heading east. Follow 503 east to Cougar, and continue to Forrest Service Road # 90, just passed the Pine Creek Ranger Station. Follow FR 90 for 17 miles to the Quartz Creek Trail. Hike a moderate 2 miles to the bridgeless crossing of Straight Creek. A logjam 100 feet upstream can provide a dry crossing, otherwise ford carefully and find the campsite on the opposite side. A faint trail leads upstream from the campsite to a gravel beach just downstream of the falls where it can be viewed.Quartz Creek Falls is thought to be the largest waterfall along Quartz Creek, sliding and veiling 26 feet over a rounded ledge of bright orange bedrock then sliding into a perfect swimming hole just downstream. The falls are fairly obscure because the Quartz Creek Trail doesn't pass it closely (though it is partially visible and can be heard) and where the trail is at stream level the falls are out of sight. This is one of those waterfalls that looks better at lower flows too, so even if visiting at the end of the summer, this is still a worthy attraction (if nothing else for dip).