LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Bull Run Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Bull Run Creek Falls
Bull Run Creek Falls is a series of steep tiered cascades on Bull Run Creek in Clearwater County, a few miles south of the town of Elk River. Lidar mapping shows about 95 feet of total drop over five steps, and no single viewpoint shows the whole series. No trail or published route to the falls could be found, and land ownership around the falls is not confirmed.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
No maintained trail to Bull Run Creek Falls is documented. Distance and elevation gain are unknown.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and elevation changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bull Run Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bull Run 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. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique view of the falls if accessible.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry sufficient water. Cell phone service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Clearwater River, 18.1 miles away, not on Bull Run Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1,580 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 70 years of record
2.70 ft
Water depth at gauge
45°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CLEARWATER RIVER AT OROFINO ID (29 km away).
Today
Moderate
1706 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
1699 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
1547 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
1719 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
1703 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
1715 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
1801 cfs
6/10Best window: Tue — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in May.
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 Elk River hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Bull Run Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Bull Run Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 60°F to 43°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 1580 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 Idaho.
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.
The ground through the falls loses about 188 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,507 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 98 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 92 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,507 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 188 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are on Bull Run Creek south of Elk River in Clearwater County. No trailhead or route is documented, and the surrounding land may not be public; confirm access before going.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
2,480 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.737126° N, -116.195829° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven and slippery in places. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as mosquitoes may be present. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make the trail muddy and more challenging.
Where to Stay
Best Western Lodge at River's Edge
Konkolville Motel
Peaceful Deary Vacation Rental w/ Deck & Views!
Moose Hollow Family Cabin
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
ELK CREEK CAMPGROUND (CLEARWATER NF)
3.9 miles away · 13 sites
Overview Elk Creek Campground offers visitors a little bit of everything. From scenic views and vistas, to attractive waterfalls and ancient foliage, the campground provides a great place to stay in the mountains of north central Idaho. Recreational opportunities abound in the area and a variety of services are located nearby.Recreation Elk Creek and nearby Elk River Reservoir provide visitors with opportunities for fishing and other water-related recreation. Cutthroat and rainbow trout, chinook
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near St. Maries, Idaho
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near St. Maries, Idaho on SoakingSprings.
Explore Idaho springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Elk Creek Falls Recreation Area near Elk River has signed trails (#740, #742 and others) to viewpoints of Lower, Middle and Upper Elk Creek Falls, with a pit toilet and no fee.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and carry bear spray if hiking in the region.
Cities near Bull Run Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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