Cushing Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Cushing Falls
Cushing Falls (also called Deadman Falls) is a small but photogenic cascade where Fifteenmile Creek drops about 8 feet to the Columbia River, located just south of Seufert County Park and a few miles east of The Dalles in Wasco County, Oregon. Nestled within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and managed by the U.S. Forest Service (land owner: DESG; designation: NSBV), the falls sit in the drier, more open landscape of the eastern gorge rather than the lusher western flank, offering a stark, rugged riverside setting framed by basalt cliffs and shoreline scrub. Despite its modest height, Cushing Falls makes a rewarding quick stop for travelers and local hikers who enjoy dramatic river views in a low-key setting. Camping is nearby at Columbia Hills State Park (about 3.79 km away), so the falls are an easy addition to a short outing or overnight trip. Visitors should come prepared for informal access and exercise caution near the water and cliff edges when taking photos or exploring.
The Setting
Cushing Falls sits at 121 feet within Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Cushing Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Access is essentially a very short out-and-back, approximately 0.1 miles with about 50 feet of elevation gain. The route is rated as a "drive_up" difficulty—there is no long maintained trail to the viewpoint, and most visitors park nearby and follow an informal path or short scramble over uneven ground to reach the falls. Expect unmarked, unmanaged terrain rather than a developed trail; no official USFS trail number is listed for this access.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a remote and rugged setting with views of the Deschutes River and basalt cliffs. The falls are a scenic highlight, but the area may lack amenities such as restrooms or picnic areas.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cushing Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cushing Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as water flow is typically higher during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The area around the falls can be slippery and uneven. Visitors should exercise caution near the edge of cliffs and avoid visiting during inclement weather. Cell service may be limited, so inform someone of your plans before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Columbia River, 3.4 miles away, not on Cushing Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
93,100 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 148 years of record
76.78 ft
Water depth at gauge
56°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 56 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge COLUMBIA RIVER AT THE DALLES, OR (5 km away).
Today
Moderate
98200 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
96382 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
105074 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
101182 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
106056 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
112021 cfs
5/10Tue
Moderate
106856 cfs
8/10Best window: Sat — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, 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 The Dalles hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Cushing Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Cushing Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 48°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 111000 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, 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 97 feet through Cushing Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 123 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 98 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 67 feet in the 500 feet below it. 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
- 123 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 97 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
Cushing Falls is located near the Deschutes River in Sherman County, Oregon. Access is typically via gravel roads, and the area is remote. Visitors should use a reliable map or GPS to navigate to the site.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking may be available near the falls, but it is limited and may require parking along the roadside. Visitors should ensure they are not blocking access roads.
Elevation
121 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.611734° N, -121.119762° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared for uneven terrain. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the area can become muddy or slippery after rain.
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For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
Celilo Inn
Comfort Inn Columbia Gorge
Cousin's Country Inn
Columbia River Hotel and Conference Center, an Ascend Collection Hotel
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
Columbia Hills State Park
2.4 miles away · 0 sites
This recreation area is part of The Dalles Lock and Dam, Lake Celilo
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Nearby Attractions
The Deschutes River offers opportunities for fishing, rafting, and hiking. Nearby towns such as Maupin provide additional amenities and activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and fish. Visitors should respect the natural habitat and avoid disturbing animals.
Nearby Waterfalls
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