Cape Horn Falls

One of the first major waterfalls on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, Cape Horn Falls plunges down a series of majestic cliffs.

Park at the upper TH. This is closest to the viewpoint. Take the trail and eventually turn left to the trails that goes towards the creek. Find a good place to enter the creek.

R1 - 50’ off of a small tree near the lip of the falls. Possibly downclimbable. R2- 150’ from a tree DCR. It may be possible to find an anchor situation DCL. Either way, it is very brushy and lots of loose rocks. Would be a good idea to make sure no one is below standing on the bridge. R3 - 230’ from a tree bunch DCL. Before rappelling, make sure you have an exit plan at the bottom. Packrafting is one option. If the water is low enough on the river, then you could walk along the shore eastbound.

When the Columbia River is running high (winter/spring), there may not be an option to exit without a packraft or other watercraft. Exiting this way may be best on a calm day as the river just off Cape Horn is renowned for high winds. Reportedly strong currents can also be an issue. If you have a pack raft, you can go upstream or downstream. The downstream situation is a half mile float, cross the tracks, and a 200ft climb through the blackberry bushes back to the Cape Horn Trail. If you go upstream, paddle about 500ft, cross the tracks, then ascend 200ft up into the forest. Make sure to stay off private land. You can hike the trail back or use the paved road to get out.