Footbridge & Lower Bridge Creek Falls
A footbridge across the Wilson River and a waterfall accessible from Footbridge Trailhead in Tillamook State Forest.
Footbridge Coordinates: 45.56193, -123.58659
Footbridge Elevation: 456'
Waterfall Name: Lower Bridge Creek Falls
Waterfall Coordinates: 45.56194, -123.58583
Waterfall Elevation: 396'
Access: Trail
Distance: 0.86 miles (round trip)
Elevation Range: 348' to 455'
Ascent/Descent: +54 ft/-18 ft
Route Type: In and out
Route: Took "day use" trail down to Wilson River edge and made my way to the base of Lower Bridge Creek Falls, then went back to trailhead area and took trail that goes along Hwy 6 to the footbridge and took trail until it connected to Wilson River Trail, then turned around and came back to trailhead. *Could add on Bridge Creek Falls by crossing Hwy 6 and taking the trail that leads to it, but I didn't do that.
Outing Type: Day hike
Permits/Fees: None (as far as I could tell)
Points of Interest: Footbridge, Wilson River, and Lower Bridge Creek Falls
Note: Could also do Bridge Creek Falls along with Lower Bridge Creek Falls & the Footbridge. It just requires crossing Hwy 6 when headed to the footbridge from the trailhead. The Footbridge Trailhead is a popular swimming hole during the summer, so particularly on weekends the parking area can fill up.
Location: Near the Wilson River at Footbridge Trailhead in Tillamook National Forest, Oregon, U.S.A.
Administration: Tillamook State Forest
Other Posts: Bridge Creek Falls
Date Accessed: June 12, 2024
After having gone to Bridge Creek Falls we drove the very short drive across the highway into the Footbridge Trailhead parking area. We first hiked down to the edge of the river taking the "day use" trail. It took us to the edge of the Wilson River. We hiked along the edge of the shore down stream to where Lower Bridge Creek Falls comes out of a culvert onto the rocks at the edge of the river. We were able to make our way to the base of the falls to take pictures.
The river was really pretty and I can see the appeal for it being a popular swimming hole during the summer. According to American Whitewater the Wilson River is classified as difficulty level: III.
We then hiked back up to the parking lot and found the connector trail that goes to the footbridge. It actually climbs up to Highway 6 and the trail follows along the edge of the highway until it reaches the stairs down to the footbridge. So it would be easy to cross the road in this section to do Bridge Creek Falls in one hike.
We made it to the bridge and took pictures. Downstream from the footbridge the river and rock edges reminded me of the narrows on the Clackamas River. It was really pretty. We hiked the connector trail until it intersected with the Wilson River Trail. There were tons of wildflowers along the edge of the trail. We turned around and hiked back to the parking lot. It definitely made me curious about the Wilson River Trail. I might have to come back and do portions of it sometime.
Map
Coordinates
Footbridge Trailhead parking entrance: 45.56309, -123.58412
"Day Use" trail TH: 45.56303, -123.58543
Lower Bridge Creek Falls: 45.56194, -123.58583
Footbridge connector trail TH: 45.56295, -123.58507
Footbridge: 45.56193, -123.58659
Intersection with Wilson River Trail: 45.56253, -123.58765
If adding on Bridge Creek Falls:
Bridge Creek Falls Trailhead: 45.56204, -123.58576
Bridge Creek Falls: 45.56114, -123.58393
Resources
How to get there
My Wild Adventure is not responsible for your safety, any possible injury, or anything that happens if you choose to follow anything on this website. Maps are not intended to be used for navigational purposes, but to give an overview of the route taken. By going outdoors you are solely responsible to know your strengths and limitations, be aware of current conditions and proceed with the appropriate caution. My Wild Adventure is not responsible for your choices and the outcome. Reference my disclaimer for more information on being responsible outdoors.
Comments