Distance: ~5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~450 ft
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (especially after rain turns the trail into a mud arena)
Why You Should Care: A lovely forest walk crowned by a 20–25 ft waterfall dropping into a big swimming pool that’s legendary on hot summer days.
I hit the Cherry Creek Falls trail on one of the wettest winter days I can remember, with one of the most beautiful humans I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.
Right out of the gate the trail was less “forest amble” and more “lake obstacle course.” Imagine a nature-themed Ninja Warrior course where instead of applause there was only soggy laughter and the occasional “Please please don’t slip!” We leapt from stone to stump, balance-beamed across logs like PNW circus performers, and somehow made it through without falling — pride mostly intact (and our dignity only marginally damp).
Eventually the trees cleared and we arrived at the Falls. This wasn’t a dainty little trickle. No. This was full-on cascade, like someone took the world’s angriest garden hose and turned it up to “ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!” on the waterfall setting. We stood there long enough to snag pictures, eat snacks, and enjoy an adult victory drink — which, scientifically, is the best way to celebrate not face-planting in mud.
On the way back we opted for “the high road” instead of retracing our original water park route. Wise choice. Our luck probably wouldn’t have held out for a second round of impromptu river crossing trials.
This hike has its quirks beyond the mud ballet. For one, there’s a random wrecked vehicle haunting the woods about a mile in — part roadside relic, part conversation piece, part “how did that even get here?” photo op.
In summer, Cherry Creek Falls is the kind of place where locals strip down and plunge into the pool at the base of the falls. On scorchers that pool looks like pure bliss — the kind that makes you forget about balancing on logs in 40 degree drizzle and actually want to swim in PNW water.
If you’re up for a trail that’s equal parts charming forest walk, mild adventure circuit, and yearly family favorite swim hole, put Cherry Creek Falls on your list. Just maybe choose a drier day if you’d rather avoid reenacting scenes from a nature survival show.
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