• Dougan Falls is a dramatic 19-foot waterfall with a deep swimming pool below the cascade
As summer temperatures soar, Dougan Falls offers a refreshing escape along the Washougal River. The final major waterfall on the river, it can be viewed from several roadside pullouts, while the surrounding area provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water.
Located along a winding paved road beside the Washougal River, the Dougan Falls area features several spots for swimming, wading, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery.
At the falls, the river widens to more than 100 feet before dropping 19 feet into a narrow, deep pool with crystal-clear turquoise water.
Above the falls, shallow sections of the river are ideal for wading and relaxing on warm summer days.
Below the falls, a deep swimming hole attracts visitors looking to swim or float on tubes. Broad, relatively flat rock ledges along the river provide comfortable places to sit, picnic, and soak up the sun.
Rapids beneath the bridge separate the waterfall pool from another deep swimming area downstream.
This section features underwater ledges and a tall rocky outcrop that is often used as a jumping spot.
🟡 Cliff jumping is dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. Rock ledges and boulders around the falls can be extremely slippery, especially when wet. Always use caution near the water and be aware of changing river conditions.
Picnic tables are available in the shaded day-use area near the parking lot.
When water levels are high, it’s not uncommon to see kayakers navigating the swift current.
Dougan Falls is especially popular during the summer, and the swimming area can become crowded on warm weekends. For a quieter experience, plan your visit on a weekday or arrive early in the day.
Dougan Falls Recreation Day-Use Site requires a Discover Pass. Passes can be purchased wherever Washington hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online at discoverpass.wa.gov, or by phone at 866-320-9933. An annual pass is also available.
Dougan Creek Campground
Dougan Creek Campground is located just 100 yards from the falls, making it easy to spend more than a day enjoying the river.
The campground has seven first-come, first-served campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. A Discover Pass is required. Surrounded by forest and the soothing sounds of the creek, it offers a peaceful place to stay, although campsites often fill quickly on summer weekends.
Dougan Falls | Facts
Open: Year-round, 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour before sunset
Managed by: Skamania County and Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Amenities: Vault toilets, potable water, garbage service, picnic sites
Activities: Swimming,fishing, hiking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Washington Discover Pass
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.
Adventure Nearby
Directions to Dougan Falls
From I-205 in Washington,
- Take exit 27 toward Camas and merge onto WA-14 East
- Follow WA-14 east for 9.1 miles to Washougal River Road
- At the traffic circle, take the third exit onto Washougal River Road and continue for 17.5 miles 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
This dougan falls is most beautiful place to swim .
On june 15 i had a incident, i was pulled through strong current to that small waterfall,where there was also 2014 incident where guy leg was stuck.anyway when i went down there i hit my left leg so hard it made a huge deep cut on my shin , thank God for no broken bones, but i had 2 layers of stiches done and all is well. I just have an idea , i think you definitely need to put safety net or rope where right before the small waterfall is . So that if anyone like me or kid got dragged into the the current,that rope could prevent the accident or death. This is a must do, that rope or net in front of the small fall entrance could catch or the person can hold on to it and use to to get to the nearest rock or shore to escape the danger. I hope you understand what i was trying to say.Thank you for all you do.
Mark, thanks for sharing your story.