Outlet Falls

Outlet Falls plunges 69 feet into the Klickitat Canyon just a few steps off of Washington's Glenwood Highway, but due to its distance from other destinations and its inconspicuous pullout, the falls sees few visitors. While many will be quite content with the views afforded from the rim of the canyon, a short but steep trail that starts at the northeast end of the pullout will lead you to the base of the falls and the deep pool waiting there. Outlet Creek is primarily fed by springs near Mount Adams, so the falls almost always has water. A steep series of rapids leads right up to the lip of this impressive waterfall. At peak flows in the winter and spring, kayakers will occasionally kayak over Outlet. In the summer, the plunge pool at the base would likely make an ideal swimming hole. In the winter, masses of ice cling to the cavernous basalt walls surrounding the falls. Fortunately, the trail is generally free from ice except when snow levels drop below 1,700 feet.