Bear Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
There is no known trail or public access route to Bear Creek Falls, and its exact location is unconfirmed.
Photo Credits (5)
About Bear Creek Falls
Bear Creek Falls is a USGS-named waterfall on Bear Creek in western Clallam County, Washington, about 20 km outside Olympic National Park and not part of the park. The mapped location sits in wetland with no visible drop, and the actual falls may be a 10 to 12 foot series of cascades about a mile upstream. No trail or public route to it is documented.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Beaver Falls (25 ft) lies 3.8 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Hoko Falls (4 ft, 6.8 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bear Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bear Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks near the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry essentials like water and a first aid kit.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Hoko River, 8.2 miles away, not on Bear Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
4,040 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 44 years of record
7.34 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge HOKO RIVER NEAR SEKIU, WA (13 km away).
Today
Roaring
4606 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
6043 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
6866 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
5791 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
5727 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
6023 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
5738 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, showers and thunderstorms then light rain (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early January to late January, peaking in January.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Sekiu hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Bear Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Bear Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 47°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 4660 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Washington.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Elevation
745 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.128966° N, -124.330215° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Where to Stay
Woodland Inns
Pacific Inn Motel
Forks Fir House
Near Trails & Rivers! 'Trybett Cabin' in Forks
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Klahowya Campground
11 miles away · 0 sites
Adjacent to the south shore of the Sol Duc River, the rain forest setting hosts an accessible interpretive nature trail, fishing, picnicking, and trails to explore the natural beauty. During the summer when the river is low water, there is tubing or float run between the 'Day Use' areas next to Sites 9 and 45.Interpretive programs are presented in the amphitheater during the summer.
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Bear Creek Falls, Washington
Sol Duc Hot Springs
Sol Duc Hot Springs flows at 122 degrees Fahrenheit in Olympic National Park with permanently protected Class 1 status under Na...
Olympic Hot Springs
Olympic Hot Springs flows at 118 degrees within Olympic National Park at 2,000 feet elevation, emerging 72 degrees above ambien...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Bear Creek Falls, Washington on SoakingSprings.
Explore Washington springsAdditional Information
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. Visitors should practice proper wildlife safety.
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Bear Creek Falls
5 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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