East Fork Falls
Oregon • 10 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Trail Type
Out And Back
About East Fork Falls
East Fork Falls is a small waterfall, about 10 feet high, on East Fork Pine Creek a short distance north of the old mining town of Cornucopia, in the southern Wallowa Mountains of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Baker County, Oregon. It sits at about 6,170 feet and is reached on the East Fork Trail (#1865) from the Cornucopia Trailhead, north of Halfway.
The Setting
East Fork Falls sits at 6,066 feet within Whitman National Forest, in the high mountains of Oregon. The falls drop 10 feet.
Height: 10 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the Cornucopia Trailhead, follow the East Fork Trail #1865 north up East Fork Pine Creek. Hikers describe the route up the East Fork toward Norway Pass as unusually steep for the Wallowas, following an old abandoned dirt road for a long way. No official distance to the falls was found.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 10 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and narrow paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at East Fork Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at East Fork Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting East Fork Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during this time.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Whitman National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 40°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious on forest roads and trails, as they may be slippery or muddy. Watch for falling branches or debris, especially after storms. Cell phone reception may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Fork Wallowa River, 15.9 miles away, not on East Fork Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
7 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 53 years of record
4.60 ft
Water depth at gauge
40°F
WarmVery comfortable
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is dangerously cold at 40 degrees F, avoid prolonged contact.
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 EAST FORK WALLOWA RIVER NEAR JOSEPH, OR (26 km away).
Today
Low
7 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
8 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
7 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
7 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
7 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
8 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
7 cfs
4/10Best window: Tue — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early August, peaking in July.
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 Halfway hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is East Fork Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 4 more freezing days forecast
East Fork Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 43°F to 36°F. 4 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 4 of the next 7
- Flow
- 6 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 171 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 10 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,093 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 33 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 85 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,093 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 171 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From Halfway, continue north on the Halfway-Cornucopia Highway (413) through Carson; past Carson keep left onto the dirt road and drive about 5 miles to Cornucopia. The road is narrow with pull-outs. At Cornucopia, turn right toward the Cornucopia Lodge and follow the tree signs to trailhead parking.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
All parking and the trailhead are on private property and parking is limited, so follow the posted signs. Hikers report the spur road up the East Fork gets rough quickly with no room to park, so use the main trailhead lots. The Forest Service lists no fee and no permit for the trailhead.
Elevation
6,066 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.042890° N, -117.176091° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or early summer for the best water flow. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as mosquitoes may be present. Be cautious on forest roads, especially after rain, as they can become muddy or slippery.
This trail sits at 6,066 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 24% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Where to Stay
Eagle Cap Chalets
Serendipity Cottage
Prairie Creek Condo
Knotty Pine 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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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TWO COLOR GUARD STATION
12.7 miles away · 1 sites
Overview The Civilian Conservation Corps originally constructed the Two Color Guard Station in the 1930s for use as crew quarters and bunkhouse. The original building was removed in 1976. The current guard station was built in 1959. Two Color Guard Station is open June through October. Guests can drive to it except after significant snowfall, when it's only accessible by snowmobile. Guests staying in the later part of the season are encouraged to bring extra supplies to ensure a comfortable and e
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Nearby Attractions
Pine Lakes Trail #1880 from the same trailhead, the Cornucopia ghost town area, and the town of Halfway.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near East Fork Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named East Fork Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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