Curly Creek Falls | World Waterfall Database

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This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

While not exactly an uncommon occurrence, a waterfall with a natural arch spanning its face is something that not many people will see in their lifetimes. Residence of Washington State are however privileged to have a waterfall with not just one, but two natural arches spanning its face - the next closest waterfalls with even one arch being in British Columbia, Alberta and Wyoming. Having two arches spanning the falls places Curly Creek among a globally exclusive list; there may be only a handful of waterfalls on the entire planet able to make that claim. Further, as if one geological anomaly wasn't enough, it appears that severe flooding in 2003 debris was removed from the streambed which previously covered a section of pourous bedrock - likely a lava tube - which Curly Creek intersects and is now perforated enough to swallow the creek whole, causing the falls to cease flowing by the end of July in most years. This appears to now be a permanent characteristic (at least until the hole gets re-clogged) whereas the falls were not known to dry out prior to 2003 (Curly Creek has a significantly large drainage basin and the waterfalls upstream flow well all year).

HISTORY AND NAMES

Curly Creek Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

Our thoughts

The appearance of the falls itself isn't anything to write home about, but the two natural bridges coupled with the sinkhole makes Curly Creek Falls one of the most unique waterfalls in all of the United States. We hope in the future to document the location of the sinkhole and discover the process by which the falls are becoming partially de-watered.

Location and directions

Take Interstate 5 to the town of Woodland, and exit onto Highway 503 heading east. Follow 503 east to Cougar, and continue to Forrest Service Road # 90, just passed the Pine Creek Ranger Station. Follow FR 90 for 5 miles and turn left onto FSR #51 (watch for signs pointing to Curly Creek Falls). Follow Road 51 for one mile and turn left into the parking area for Curly Creek Falls. Follow the easy trail (stay right at the junction) to the viewpoint in under 500 feet.

View this location in Google Earth

Curly Creek Falls is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Miller Creek Falls	0.16 mi / 0.25 km
Northwoods Falls	2.15 mi / 3.44 km
Rush Creek Falls	2.79 mi / 4.47 km
McClellan Falls	3.03 mi / 4.85 km
Unnamed Waterfall	3.13 mi / 5 km
Upper Curly Creek Falls	3.14 mi / 5.03 km
Hemlock Creek Falls	3.38 mi / 5.41 km
Cave Falls	3.8 mi / 6.08 km
Big Creek Falls	3.98 mi / 6.38 km
Unnamed Waterfall	4.78 mi / 7.65 km

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Photography tips

The absolute best views of Curly Creek Falls are from the side of the Lewis River, however attaining such views requires a steep scramble almost 100 vertical feet down to the river and then walking along the river for several hundred feet (possibly in the river). The views from the viewpoint will satisfy most, even though trees in the foreground will encroach the view a bit. The north facing falls are usually shaded until the mid afternoon, but surrounding trees are usually bathed in sunlight, so again hit this one early or late in the day.

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Curly Creek Falls Skamania County, Washington, United States