Shady Creek Falls

Shady Creek FallsPhoto by A. F. Litt, April 23, 2013

Northwest Waterfall Survey: Shady Creek Falls

Shady Creek is the small stream which is crossed as one walks to the Benson Bridge, which straddles the two tiers of Multnomah Falls.

Height: 180 feet

Tallest Drop: 160 feet

Num. Drops: 2

Stream: Shady Creek

Primary Form: Tiered Plunges

On a global scale, I can think of several rather noteworthy waterfalls which are overshadowed by neighboring waterfalls of much more significant stature. Lehamite Falls being overshadowed Yosemite Falls in California, for example. Lehamite stands well over 1000 feet tall, any were it anywhere but in Yosemite National Park, it would be a tourist magnet. While Shady Creek Falls isn't quite on the same level as that, the simple fact that it's located right next to Multnomah Falls makes it possibly the most ignored waterfall in the entire Columbia River Gorge.

Shady Creek Falls can't be seen from any of the trails immediately adjacent to Multnomah Falls and is severely obscured by trees from anywhere south of the railroad tracks, which likely lends more to the attention deficit. The only real way to see the falls is from within the parking lot in the rest area between the lanes of Interstate 84. Up close, it would probably be rather scenic, but since it appears Shady Creek is the water source for the Multnomah Falls lodge, its not recommended (probably downright frowned upon) to climb up to the falls.


http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/nws/falls.php?num=3817

Links

NW Waterfall Survey: Shady Creek Falls

http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/nws/falls.php?num=3817

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the highway