Are there fees or permits required for Bonnie Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Bonnie Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Bonnie Falls.

Nearby gauge (East Fork Dairy Creek) · 17 ft³/s · About average

Bonnie Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bonnie Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bonnie Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

3D terrain

Photo Credits (2)

Jonathan Hakim CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Mary Anne Thygesen CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Bonnie Falls

Bonnie Falls (also known locally as Scappoose Falls) is a small, quietly scenic cascade on Scappoose Creek in Columbia County, Oregon. Tucked just off Highway 30 west of the town of Scappoose, the falls are best known for the fish ladder that bypasses the drop, a noteworthy piece of local ecology that helps salmon and other fish navigate upstream. The setting is intimate rather than dramatic—a peaceful spot for a picnic or a short nature break where dappled light and creekside vegetation create a restful atmosphere. The approach feels friendly and approachable: it’s a moderate hike through Pacific Northwest woodland rather than a remote trek, making Bonnie Falls a good half-day outing from Portland or nearby towns. Because the falls sit close to a highway corridor, it’s easy to combine this stop with other Columbia County outdoor sites; just come prepared for variable trail conditions, especially in wet weather.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The tread is natural (forest soil and roots) and can become muddy and slick in rainy seasons, so sturdy, grippy footwear is recommended. This is not a technical trail—there are no major obstacles or scrambling sections—but the footing and occasional wet stretches keep the hike from being purely easy. The proximity to Highway 30 makes access straightforward, and the path delivers directly to viewpoints of the falls and the adjacent fish ladder that helps migrating fish bypass the cascade.

What to Expect

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 Bonnie Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bonnie Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Bonnie Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 49°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or flooding conditions. Respect private property in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Fork Dairy Creek, 9.9 miles away, not on Bonnie Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

17 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 5 years of record

5.85 ft

Water depth at gauge

49°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 49 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

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

EF DAIRY CR ABV MURTAUGH CR NR MEACHAM CORNER, OR

USGS 14205350

9.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 28 sq mi

Altitude: 342 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EF DAIRY CR ABV MURTAUGH CR NR MEACHAM CORNER, OR (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

18 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

19 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

27 cfs

8/10

Thu

Roaring

41 cfs

8/10

Fri

Roaring

77 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

72 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

77 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

44 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid December to late January, peaking in March.

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

Is Bonnie Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Bonnie Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 44°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 20 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 Oregon.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain Around Bonnie Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

Aerial view of the ground around Bonnie Falls near Warren, Oregon

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

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Bonnie Falls is located near Scappoose, Oregon, and can be accessed via local roads. Visitors typically park near the Scappoose-Vernonia Highway and follow a short path to the falls. Exact directions may vary, so checking a map or GPS is recommended.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is limited and may be roadside. Visitors should ensure they are not blocking traffic or private property.

Elevation

344 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.804085° N, -122.937666° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the spring or after rainfall for the best water flow. Bring sturdy shoes if visiting during wet conditions, as the trail may be slippery. Be respectful of private property in the area.