Dougan Falls is a 19-foot horsetail waterfall, more than 100 feet wide, on the Washougal River in Skamania County, Washington, at a day-use site in Yacolt Burn State Forest.
The falls
The river spreads into a wide horsetail before dropping into a deep pool. A survey done in person confirms the 19-foot single drop; the City of Washougal's own visitor page describes the same 19-foot fall.
Getting there
Paved Washougal River Road reaches the site after 16.4 miles, where the pavement ends; parking is limited. The site has picnic tables and a vault toilet. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access on this state recreation land, $10 for a day pass or $45 for an annual pass.
When to go
Winter through spring is recommended for flow. Summer is the busiest season, so weekday or early visits may make the limited parking easier. As of late September 2026 the adjoining Dougan Falls Creek Campground was open with no campfires allowed; the campground closes from October 1, 2026 through June 1, 2027 under a state budget schedule, though the cabin and day-use area stay open.
On site
The pool below the falls is a popular swimming spot, but visitors swim at their own risk and no lifeguards are on duty. In July 2014, rescuers freed a 19-year-old swimmer whose legs had become trapped in the rushing water at the base of the falls.
History and name
Dougan Falls is the feature's official name; the Washington Department of Natural Resources manages the site as part of Yacolt Burn State Forest. A separate series of cascades on nearby Dougan Creek should not be confused with Dougan Falls on the Washougal River.
Nearby
Dougan Creek Falls, the separate Dougan Creek feature, is about 0.1 mile away. Naked Falls and Reeder Falls, both further along the Washougal River, are about 1.3 and 1.5 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.