Hawk Creek Cave

Hawk Creek Trailhead, WA
3.8
9 Reviews
Hawk Creek Cave
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Details

Distance
5 miles
Elevation Gain
900 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Waterfall
Romantic
Family Friendly
River
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
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About this place

Added by Rose Freeman

Explore ancient Hawk Creek Cave with expansive views of the Columbia River. See Hawk Creek Falls. Hike along a sandy beach. Distance: 5.0 miles round trip, 900 feet elevation gain.

The ancient rock walls, cave, and falls of Hawk Creek provide an unreal day hike experience! The best time to hike to Hawk Creek cave is early spring/summer before the water level of Lake Roosevelt is back to it's regular level by July. Any age explorer will be inspired on this adventure!

Drive to Hawk Creek trailhead (47.8109, -118.3104) and begin hiking on a well marked fisherman's trail through the pine trees. Take in the views of the creek behind you and the ancient rock walls through the canyon. When the trail tapers off, cut down to the beach and continue hiking on the sand for 2 miles. It is best to hike here in spring before the water levels rise and the beach is inaccessible. When you reach the end of the beach, take the game trail up through the canyon to the right. This trail becomes hard to follow up through the tall grass, but continue upward and onward toward the rock formation on the ridge above! When you reach the plateau, take a left and look for the large rock cave. Enjoy lunch in the cave and take in the views of the Columbia River! Return the way you came.

When you return to the trailhead, make sure to stop by Hawk Creek campground on your way out and check out Hawk Creek falls! We hiked here in late February and the falls were roaring into the turquoise pool. If you choose to stay overnight, the campground is open year round!

Our favorite place to stop on our way home is Edna's to get shakes and fries! Happy adventuring!

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Anthony Wright
6/29/2022
Nice beginner trail
To be honest it was a bit of a letdown. I’d had my eye on doing this trail for awhile but thought it would ...
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Kendell Champion
4/21/2020
Couldn't find the trail.
Wasn't able to find the trailhead. But did find the campground with the waterfall.
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Andrea Baird
5/21/2018
Such a rewarding hike!
We made it to the cave, it was awesome! The directions were spot on. Once you start to see the beach end, start heading ...
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Annie Walcker
4/9/2018
A few caves!
We have been visiting this specific beautiful place for about 3 years now. I was curious about the caves but unsure about exploring on ...
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Derek Mathewson
8/7/2017
couldn't find the cave...
I agree with Micah, the coordinates to the trailhead were way off. My GPS took me right where I was suppose to, but there ...
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Snow Shadow
7/20/2017
More than one cave!
As long as you head up towards the basalt cliffs and follow them, you will find a cave. You do not even need to ...
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Micah Bowen
6/17/2017
Great little cave! Directions could be much better!
We finally found the cave, the directions could us a lot of work! For one thing, the spot you marked on the gps is ...
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Emily Guy
5/4/2017
Hawk Creek Cave
Loved this gorgeous hike! It's glute workout up the hill, but well worth it. Take sometime to walk the sandy beaches of lake too!
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Liz Schroeder
5/3/2016
One of my favorites
Even though I went on a rainy day, I loved being able to see a waterfall, hike barefoot on a beach, and hang out ...
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