Elowah Falls
Oregon • 213 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
280 ft
About Elowah Falls
Elowah Falls plunges 213 feet over a basalt cliff into a verdant, moss-lined amphitheater in the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah County, Oregon. Fed by McCord Creek (the falls are also known as McCord Creek Falls), it is one of several cascades on the creek and sits within the boundaries of the John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor. The setting’s dramatic drop and lush vegetation make it a favorite for photographers and day-hikers seeking an easy, scenic waterfall experience. The falls and access lands are on U.S. Forest Service-managed Mt. Hood National Forest, and trail information references the USFS Nesmith Point Trail (#428). A short out-and-back hike leads to viewpoints and mossy forest surroundings; for those planning an overnight stay, the Eagle Creek Overlook group campsite lies about 6.03 km away.
The Setting
Elowah Falls sits at 476 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Bull Run River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon. At 213 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 213 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Nesmith Point (#428), a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 280 feet of elevation gain with grades of 5-8%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
NESMITH POINT #428
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.29 miTrail Description
The hike to Elowah Falls is an easy 1.6-mile out-and-back with roughly 280 feet of elevation gain, suitable for most visitors. Access includes a 0.29-mile segment associated with the USFS Nesmith Point Trail (Trail #428); that segment is classified as Class 2, has a native material surface, and a typical grade of about 5–8%. The path winds through fern-filled, mossy forest and is generally short and well worth the effort; expect natural tread (roots and rock) underfoot and occasional muddy or slippery spots after rain.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 213 feet. 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 Elowah Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Elowah Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Elowah Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a quieter experience but could have icy conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Mt. Hood National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on the designated path to avoid damaging the environment or risking injury. Be cautious near the base of the falls, as rocks may be wet and unstable.
Current Water Conditions
36 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 59 years of record
2.32 ft
Water depth at gauge
52°F
ColdBracing — 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 52 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR (13 km away).
Today
Strong
40 cfs
7/10Tomorrow
Strong
42 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
43 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
37 cfs
9/10Tue
Strong
38 cfs
8/10Wed
Strong
50 cfs
8/10Thu
Strong
46 cfs
8/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, patchy fog then partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid April, 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 North Bonneville 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 491 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 213 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 478 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 202 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 325 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 478 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 491 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Elowah Falls is located in the Columbia River Gorge, near the town of Cascade Locks, Oregon. The trailhead is accessible from the John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor parking area, which is just off Interstate 84.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor parking lot. Spaces may be limited during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
476 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.611708° N, -121.994596° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes as the trail can be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery, and consider visiting during spring when the water flow is at its peak.
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This easy 1.6 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Skamania Lodge
Mount Hood Village
Mt Air Motel
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
EAGLE CREEK OVERLOOK GRP SITE
3.7 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site is set on a forested bluff above the Columbia River, providing an ideal setting for family gatherings and group events. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam, this site features CCC masonry and offers expansive views of the Columbia River and mountains rising from the gorge.Recreation The Eagle Recreation Area, just a short walk or bike ride away, provides visitors with opportu
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Multnomah Falls, Wahclella Falls, and the Historic Columbia River Highway. The area also offers numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for native flora and fauna along the trail.
Cities near Elowah Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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