American Falls Out-and-Back

This is a forest hike. Surrounded by tall cedars, hemlocks, yews, lush ferns and other vegetation, the trail switchbacks 1,000 feet down from the road to the Upper Priest River valley floor.Continental Trail #28 (1.5 Miles)This hike to American Falls, starts out on Continental Trail #28. After finding the unmarked trailhead along the road, an obvious trail sign is soon reached. The trail descends continuously, gradually in places, and steeper for other short stretches. After about a half mile, the first swichback is reached. The second switchback is 0.4 miles later. Then come six more swichbacks followed by a few boardwalks over wet spots, as the valley floor is reached.Here on the valley floor, a trail junction with Upper Priest River Trail #308 is reached. Go right/north here to continue on Upper Priest River Trail #308.Upper Priest River Trail #308 (0.6 Miles)Now on Upper Priest River Trail #308, almost immediately, Malcom Creek is crossed on a sturdy bridge. After crossing Malcom Creek, the trail runs next to Upper Priest River for its last half mile, where it ends at American Falls (AKA Upper Priest Falls), in a bowl defined by cliffs, including where The Falls drop down about 40 feet. A beautiful, large, dark blue-green pool is at the bottom of The Falls.There are many spots to view The Falls. This is a great place to snack, have lunch, and spend some time. After enjoying The Falls, retrace your steps back up the "hill" to return to the trailhead.

This waterfall's official name is Upper Priest Falls. However, it is commonly call American Falls to distinguish it from another waterfall also on the Upper Priest River in Canada.