Capitol State Forest

Directions: From Elma drive 6.0 miles east on US 12 to hamlet of Porter. Turn left at Porter Saloon onto Porter Creek Road and follow for 2.9 miles from where it becomes the graveled B-0150 Road. Continue north for .5 mile to a junction and turn left on the B-Line. Then drive 0.9 mile (just past Porter Creek Campground entrance) to trailhead on your left.
Ownership: Capitol State Forest
Distance: 1.6 mile roundtrip
Difficulty: easy
Discover Pass required
Kid-friendly, Dog friendly (on leash)

Little Porter Falls are located at the confluence of the South and West Forks of Porter Creek. Here one branch cuts through a cleft while the other plunges over ledge into a big punchbowl. Follow a quiet trail through stately moss-covered trees to a small hidden rocky chasm to view them.

The trail leads through dark forest and begins climbing. It then traverses a steep slope before descending and coming upon the South Fork Porter Creek. The trail then comes up along the tumbling West Branch Porter Creek. Continue to the confluence of the two branches and Porter Falls. It’s a pretty little spot shaded by luxuriant greenery. The West Fork plunges into a basaltic punchbowl basin while the South Fork careens through a tight basaltic chasm.

Spend time in Elma before or after your adventure to the Porter Creek Waterfalls, incorporated in 1888 it’s in Grays Harbor County and just 30 miles from Olympia and 40 miles from the Pacific Ocean. There are a variety of restaurants in Elma for all taste buds, including El Ranchon Mexican, The Rusty Tractor or ShuJack’s. While no wineries exist in Elma proper, you can travel to Wynoochee River Wines, Cloquallum Vineyard, Walter Dacon, or the Westport Winery Garden Resort.