Upper 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. Upper Riley Creek Falls is the first waterfall encountered along this tumble, a 31-foot tall, 20-foot wide plunging veil type fall which sprays over an undercut cliff of red bedrock. A large rock situationed near the base of the falls provides a nice natural viewing area provided the correct route down to the stream is taken. 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.