Are there fees or permits required for Beaver Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Beaver Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Beaver Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Beaver Falls.

Live Conditions · 303,000 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Beaver Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Beaver Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Beaver Falls.

Oregon • 48 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 6 other waterfalls also named Beaver Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

Michael Matti CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

A. F. Litt CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Beaver Falls

Beaver Falls is a photogenic 48-foot cascade on Beaver Creek just outside the town of Clatskanie in Columbia County, Oregon. Nestled in a quiet, forested stretch of northwest Oregon, the falls are easy to reach via a short out-and-back hike and are often praised for their scenic drop and approachable setting. The route—2.4 miles round-trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain—makes for a satisfying half-day outing for most hikers; families and photographers alike find the short distance and clear endpoint appealing. The trail winds through lush timber before opening to the creek and the base of the falls, offering the peaceful woodland experience the region is known for. Expect some uphill sections and potentially muddy or slippery conditions in wet weather, so wear traction-conscious footwear. The falls sit near Clatskanie and are identified on maps as Beaver Falls on Beaver Creek (per Wikipedia), making them an easy destination to add to a Northwest Oregon day trip.

The Setting

Beaver Falls sits at 230 feet along the Columbia River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon. The falls drop 48 feet.

Height: 48 feet

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~350 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. The trail follows a forested corridor along Beaver Creek directly to the base of the 48-foot Beaver Falls. The route includes short uphill/mild-grade sections rather than being flat; surfaces are natural tread through timber and can become muddy or slippery in wet conditions, so appropriate footwear is recommended. No USFS trail number or formal surface/route class was provided in the available trail data.

What to Expect

The falls drop 48 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Beaver Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Beaver Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit when the water flow is at its peak, but the falls remain beautiful throughout the year.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the base of the falls as rocks can be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or storms as the trail may become hazardous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

303,000 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

91.7k 97.3k 136.0k 153.0k

Based on 36 years of record

1.66 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. Expect crystal clear visibility.

Water Quality

1.4 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

COLUMBIA RIVER AT PORT WESTWARD, NEAR QUINCY, OR

USGS 14246900

6.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 256,900 sq mi

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COLUMBIA RIVER AT PORT WESTWARD, NEAR QUINCY, OR (10 km away).

High confidence

Strong right now

268000 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

305520 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Strong

294306 cfs

9/10

Sun

Strong

272702 cfs

10/10

Mon

Strong

282105 cfs

10/10

Tue

Strong

291979 cfs

8/10

Wed

Roaring

308059 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

300160 cfs

6/10

Best window: Sun — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to late June, peaking in June.

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 Clatskanie hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

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.

3-meter lidar measures about 103 feet of descent through Beaver Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 48 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 227 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 208 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 88 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Beaver Falls near Clatskanie, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Beaver Falls near Clatskanie, Oregon, showing about 103 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 227 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 103 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Beaver Falls is located off Highway 30 near the town of Clatskanie, Oregon. The trailhead is accessible via a short drive from the highway, with clear signage directing visitors to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it may fill up quickly during peak seasons. Visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

230 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.103722° N, -123.121228° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or holidays. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.