Collins Rim and Collins Gulf

This moderate to briefly strenuous hike involves portions of two trails, a 4-1/2 mile round trip, out-and-back, utilizing both the Collins Rim and Collins Gulf Trails. This hike gives you spectacular views of Suter Falls, rock shelters, and high bluffs.

You’ll begin on the Collins Rim Trail, to its intersection with the Collins Gulf Trail; then take Collins Gulf. After seeing Suter Falls, if you wish to continue on (across the metal bridge), 2 miles past Suter Falls you’ll come to Horsepound Falls, a unique waterfall formation with overlooks and lush wildflowers in the spring. From there, you can choose to continue exploring the Collins Gulf Trail, although (for the purposes of this hike) we do not recommend proceeding beyond the cave, into which Fall Creek disappears, since this is an out-and-back route. WHEN YOU’RE DONE EXPLORING, RETURN THE WAY YOU CAME IN. 

Collins Rim Trail Log with Mileage 

0.0 Trail begins at the Savage Gulf South (55th Avenue) trailhead. 

0.3 Collins campsite straight ahead; main trail bears to left and descends the bluff. 

0.4 Junction with Collins Gulf Trail, on left. TURN LEFT HERE. 

Collins Gulf Trail Log with Mileage 

0.0 Trail begins at mile 0.4 on the Collins Rim Trail, during its descent of the bluff, 0.1 mile past the Collins campsite. Collins Rim Trail straight ahead; Collins Gulf Trail to the left. 

0.1 Suter Falls - the spectacular triple waterfall of Rocky Mountain Creek; a huge overhang, and a metal bridge crossing. If you wish to do more, cross the bridge here and continue on the Collins Gulf Trail. 

1.9 Spur trail to the right leads down to Horsepound Falls and sink. 

2.2 Fall Creek disappears into a cave on the left. The trail fords Collins River; this is impassable during high water.