Irene Creek Falls

RATING - 50.0

VR - 6.0 (Med) HR - 7.0 SR - 8/20

TYPE OF APPROACH - Bushwhack

DIFFICULTY - Very Difficult

LOCATION - Cascade River Road

TYPE - Tiered

HEIGHT - 250'

WIDTH - 45'

DIRECTIONS - Take HWY 20 east to the Cascade River Road. Take the road for about 5.75 miles. At this point, a landslide is clearly visible on the left side of the road, along with a small stream heading down to the Cascade River. Follow this stream down (it has it's own little cascading waterfall) to the river and then head right (west) along the steep banks. After a short distance a nice view of the bottom tier will be seen across the river.

Irene Creek is one of the larger creeks that drain into the Cascade River. Very sketchy, through-the-trees views are possible of the top of the falls but nothing good. For the truly adventurous, the trip down to the river will give a nice view of the falls and the gorgeous Cascade River itself. The bottom tier is around 75' tall and 45' wide. On my trip in the water level was very high and the falls were roaring even from across the river.

The best view of the falls can be had by kayaking or rafting down the river and then pulling off at Irene Creek. (If only I knew how to kayak.) I also know of some canyoners who have rappelled down the falls from the top.