• Dougan Falls is a dramatic and beautiful swimming waterfall
• A series of swimming holes with a deep pool at the waterfall base
As summer goes on and temperatures continue to soar, everyone needs a spot to take refuge from the heat. The final major waterfall along the Washougal River, Dougan Falls can be sighted from a multitude of roadside stops. The falls are created as the Washougal River widens to more than 100 feet and suddenly crashed down 19 feet, into a narrow and deep pool.
Nestled towards the end of the winding paved river road, Dougan Falls offers visitors wading and swimming in the pristine clear water, relaxing the shallow waters at the top of the falls ,or just sunbathing on the sandy beach just below the bridge.
If you visit the waterfall when water levels are high, it is not uncommon to see many kayakers testing the waters.
There are picnic tables in the day-use area. Dougan Creek Campground is located hardly 100 yards away from the falls allowing visitors to lounge along the river banks for more than just a day.
As one may expect, a large number of people visit these falls making it a pain for those desiring a more secluded destination. That being said, a well-timed visit around the middle of the week ensures that you miss large crowds.
Dougan Falls Recreation Day Use site is a fee area. You can buy Discover Pass where hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online on the site discoverpass.wa.gov, or over the phone 866-320-9933. The annual pass is available for purchase.
Cautions: Cliff jumping and slippery rocks are associated with risks, please use caution and make safe decisions.
Dougan Falls | Facts
Open: Year-round, 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour before sunset
Managed by: Skamania County
Amenities: Vault toilets, potable water, garbage service, picnic sites
Activities: Swimming, cliff jumping, rock jumping, fishing, hiking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Washington Discovery Pass
Accommodations: Dougan Creek Campground
Elevation: 650 ft (198 m)
Dougan Falls Recreation Day Use site is located:
- 41 miles north of Portland (downtown)
- 87 miles north of Salem
- 150 miles north of Eugene.
Swimming hole rating: 5 out of 5
Body of Water: River, falls
Water quality: Clear and transparent
Current: Light
Depth: Deep
Beach: River rocks and rock formation
Water T° (summer): Cool to warm
Adventure Nearby
Directions to Dougan Falls
From I-205,
- Take exit 27 in Washington State toward Camas and merge onto WA-14
- Follow 9.1 miles east to Washougal River Road to the destination.
Hello,
I’m looking to purchase a cluster of about 20 Discovery Passes for one day for my wedding attendings at Dougan Falls. I’ve had some difficulty finding anyone who might be able to assist with this. I was hoping you might be able to help. I’m wondering if you offer a discounted rate and if you’d need license plates up front, or what have you.
Even if there is no discount available, I would really love some help and pointers with purchasing the passes. I don’t want my guests to have to worry about doing this on the day of the wedding. Any help is appreciated. Thank you so, so much.
Also, we’re understanding the Falls close at nightfall. Are there any exceptions to this? If not, this is okay too, we’re still interested. Our guests are under the impression they will have to be out by dark anyway.
Thanks again.
Check the official site where you can purchase a pass
on website – discoverpass.wa.gov