hike: Herman Creek Pinnacles & Dry Creek Falls

This hike starts at the Herman Creek trailhead and takes the Herman Creek trail to the Pacific Crest trail, crossing Herman Creek on a footbridge and passing by Pacific Crest Falls and the Herman Creek Pinnacles before continuing to Dry Creek Falls.

distance: 9 miles (out and back)
elevation gain: 1,800 ft.
difficulty: strenuous
best season: all year
drive time from Portland: 1 hour
parking pass: NW Forest Pass

Trail Map

The Hike

We started at the Herman Creek trailhead, stopping for lunch at the Pinnacles before continuing to Dry Creek Falls and back. There is a shorter route to the waterfall that begins near the Bridge of the Gods, but we were looking for a longer hike in the woods. We lucked out and it didn’t rain all day – and while it was cold, the forest protected us from the wind that we could hear howling above us.

Herman Creek to Dry Creek Falls hike

Herman Creek to Dry Creek Falls hike

Herman Creek to Dry Creek Falls hike

Herman Creek to Dry Creek Falls hike

Herman Creek to Dry Creek Falls hike

Herman Creek to Dry Creek Falls hike

Herman Creek to Dry Creek Falls hike

Herman Creek to Dry Creek Falls hike

Herman Creek to Dry Creek Falls hike

Herman Creek to Dry Creek Falls hike