Riley Creek Falls

Riley Creek is a moderate volume stream which rises high up on the northwest flank of Mount Adams. As it descends down the broad slopes of the mountain, it plunges down the side of a plateau-like formation toward the fledgling Lewis River and in the process produces a series of noteworthy waterfalls. Riley Creek Falls is the third and largest waterfall encountered along this tumble, a sheer 112-foot tall plunging type fall which hurtles over a very uniquely fractured and textured cliff of lightly colored volcanic bedrock. The cliff is undercut enough to allow one to walk partially behind (or at least next to) the falls on a narrow ledge and reach out to touch the falling water (carefully) if one so desires. Getting to the ledge behind the falls however requires wading through a substantial thicket of Devils Club a short distance downstream of the falls - other vistas of the falls are not quite so punishing. The waterfalls along Riley Creek are not accessible by any trail, but the route in is not terribly difficult as far as bushwhacks go. Expect to encounter Devil's Club, crumbly decaying logs, and moderately thick Huckleberry bushes higher up near this waterfall. Good route finding skills are necessary in order to visit this waterfall, as the forest in the area is thick and doesn't allow for orienting via geographic locations.