Is swimming allowed at Eagle Creek Upper Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Eagle Creek Upper Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,230 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Eagle Creek Upper Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Eagle Creek Upper Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Eagle Creek Upper Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Eagle Creek Upper Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $5.00. A permit is also required. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Nw Oregon Cascades Field Office PUB · Bureau of Land Management

Photo Credits (5)

Infinite Dust CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

D.H. Parks CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Infinite Dust CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Infinite Dust CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

6.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Eagle Creek Upper Falls

Upper Eagle Creek Falls (also called Upper Eagle Creek Falls) is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into Clackamas County, Oregon, on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s NW Oregon Cascades Field Office (designation: PUB). The falls are notable for a fish ladder that bypasses the drop to help migrating fish, and Eagle Creek at this stretch is known for runs of chinook salmon, bull trout, and steelhead. The waterfall sits upstream from the Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery, which is a popular put-in for kayakers who run the creek downstream. Though modest in size, the falls offer an intimate riverside setting popular with anglers and wildlife watchers. Access requires a moderate hike, and because the site is on BLM-managed public land it tends to feel quieter and less developed than some state-park corridors — a pleasant reward after the trek in.

The Setting

Eagle Creek Upper Falls sits at 968 feet within Nw Oregon Cascades Field Office, fed by the Clackamas River, in the foothills of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 6.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The route to Upper Eagle Creek Falls is an approximately 6.5-mile out-and-back hike with about 800 feet of elevation gain and is commonly rated moderate. The trail follows Eagle Creek closely, providing lots of creekside walking and numerous fishing opportunities for chinook salmon, bull trout, and steelhead. Be prepared for some narrow, exposed sections with steep drop-offs where cables are sometimes present to aid hikers. The falls lie upstream from the Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery (a common kayaking put-in), and the corridor is managed by the BLM’s NW Oregon Cascades Field Office on public land.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Eagle Creek Upper Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Eagle Creek Upper Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail includes narrow paths with steep drop-offs. Use caution, especially in wet conditions. Stay on the trail and avoid getting too close to the edge. Check for trail closures or hazards before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

1,230 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.9k 2.5k 4.4k 5.1k

Based on 117 years of record

11.66 ft

Water depth at gauge

59°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

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 a bracing 59 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.4 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.8 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

7.4

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

1.4 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

58 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

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

CLACKAMAS RIVER AT ESTACADA, OR

USGS 14210000

7.9 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 671 sq mi

Altitude: 287 ft

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Estacada hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Eagle Creek Trailhead is located off Interstate 84 near Cascade Locks, Oregon. From Portland, take I-84 east to Exit 41 and follow signs to the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Eagle Creek Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

968 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.277400° N, -122.195610° W

Land Management

Nw Oregon Cascades Field Office PUB

Managed by BLM

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the trail can be wet and slippery. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Check trail conditions before heading out, as closures due to weather or fire damage are possible.

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With 6.5 miles and 800 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

LOCKABY

8.1 miles away · 30 sites

Reservable

Overview Campground closed due to the 2020 Riverside Wildfire Lockaby Campground is ideally located next to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River in the lush, green mountains of northern Oregon. It provides access to some of the area's greatest whitewater rafting, as well as a famous place to fish. Whether it is relaxation or recreation, there's something for everyone at the campground. Recreation Fishing is very popular in the Clackamas River and anglers can expect a catch of winter steelhead, spr

Book on Recreation.gov