Cavern Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
About Cavern Falls
Cavern Falls is one of four small falls on Cascade Creek in Moran State Park on Orcas Island, along with Cascade, Rustic and Hidden Falls. They are reached on short forest trails from the Cascade Falls parking lot on Mount Constitution Road. Cavern Falls is on the left branch at the trail junction about 0.1 mile from the lot.
The Setting
Cavern Falls sits at 604 feet within San Juan County/Cypress Island Marine Biological Preserve, in the foothills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the Cascade Falls lot on Mount Constitution Road, the trail reaches a junction after about 0.1 mile: Rustic Falls is straight ahead, Cascade Falls to the right, and Cavern and Hidden Falls to the left. WTA lists a 3.0-mile round trip with about 200 feet of gain for the full Cascade Creek route; the walk to the falls alone is shorter.
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 Cavern Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed in Moran State Park.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at the trailhead.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cavern Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Winter and spring, when rain keeps Cascade Creek flowing; flow drops in late summer.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Rocks and roots near the creek are slippery when wet. Stay on the trail and keep back from the edges of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Chuckanut Creek, 16.2 miles away, not on Cavern Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
3 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 4 years of record
14.20 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
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 CHUCKANUT CREEK NEAR BELLINGHAM, WA (26 km away).
Today
Roaring
3 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
5 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
5 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
12 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
11 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
15 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
11 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, light rain (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid March, peaking in December.
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 Roche Harbor hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Cavern Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Cavern Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 50°F to 42°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 3 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 107 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 608 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 55 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 18 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 608 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 107 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Take the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island, drive to Moran State Park (3572 Olga Road, Olga), turn onto Mount Constitution Road and park at the Cascade Falls lot on the right.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Cascade Falls lot on Mount Constitution Road. A Discover Pass is required for vehicles in Moran State Park.
Elevation
604 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.648379° N, -122.829187° W
Land Management
Managed by OTHS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Buy a Discover Pass before you arrive or at the park information center just before the gate. Mount Constitution Road does not allow large trailers or motor homes.
Where to Stay
Otter's Pond Bed and Breakfast
The Landmark Inn on Orcas Island
Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping
Majestic Inn and Spa
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Nearby Attractions
Cascade Falls, Rustic Falls and Hidden Falls on the same creek, Mountain Lake, Cascade Lake and the Mount Constitution summit road.
Cities near Cavern Falls
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