Chitwood Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (1)
Trail Length
2.6 miles
About Chitwood Falls
Chitwood Falls tumbles from Chitwood Creek just before the creek empties into the Cascade Head North Marine Protected Area, offering a tucked-away Pacific Northwest scene in Tillamook County. The falls and approach sit inside the Siuslaw National Forest and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service; access is from Forest Road 1861 and the common route is the Hart's Cove Trail (USFS #1303). The hike to the falls is a peaceful, moderately paced out-and-back that covers roughly 2.4 miles (USFS GIS lists 2.58 miles) with about 350 feet of elevation gain. The route threads through classic coastal-forest vegetation and is ideal for hikers looking for a short, scenic outing—bring a camera for creek and coastal-woodland views and be prepared for moderate grades on native tread.
The Setting
Chitwood Falls sits at 686 feet within Siuslaw National Forest, fed by the Nestucca River, in the foothills of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Hart's Cove (#1303), a 2.6-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
HART'S COVE #1303
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
2.58 miTrail Description
Hart's Cove Trail (USFS #1303) — out-and-back approximately 2.4 miles (USFS GIS: 2.58 miles) with ~350 ft elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. Surface: NATIVE MATERIAL. Typical grade: 12–20%. Trail class: 3. Trailhead access is from Forest Road 1861; expect native-forest tread with steeper sections consistent with the listed grade.
What to Expect
Expect a quiet and scenic waterfall surrounded by dense forest. The area may be less developed, so amenities like restrooms or picnic areas are unlikely.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chitwood Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chitwood Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Siuslaw National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Trails may be slippery or uneven, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall and avoid climbing on wet rocks.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 15.1 miles away
73 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 41 years of record
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 NESTUCCA RIVER NEAR BEAVER, OR (24 km away).
Today
Roaring
113 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
125 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
117 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
117 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
111 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
121 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
122 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid December to early 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 Neskowin 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 286 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 684 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 194 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 147 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 684 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 286 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Chitwood Falls is located near the small community of Chitwood, Oregon. Access details are limited, but it is typically reached via local roads. Visitors should research specific directions before traveling.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or in designated areas if available.
Elevation
686 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.073995° N, -123.993726° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy footwear, as trails may be uneven or muddy. Check weather conditions before visiting, and carry a map or GPS device as signage may be limited.
Where to Stay
Neskowin Nirvana
Cozy Coastal Condo Steps from the Beach with Deck Views
Surfland Hotel
Proposal Rock View
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.
Nearby Campground
Tillamook to Newport
9.4 miles away · 0 sites
A visitor to the Siuslaw National Forest traveling from Tillamook to Newport will find farmland, rolling hills, sand dunes at Sand Lake Recreation Area, and by choosing the Three Cape Scenic Loop, gorgeous headlands with fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean.Moving inland, the Forest is lush, wet and green. Visitors can hike, camp, picnic or ride their off-highway vehicle. Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, transports travelers from Tillamook to Newport with connecting routes of Highway
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The historic Chitwood Covered Bridge is a notable nearby attraction.
Wildlife
The area may feature typical Pacific Northwest wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Chitwood Falls
Writing about Chitwood Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.