Are there fees or permits required for Final Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Final Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Final Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Final Falls.

Nearby gauge (Oak Grove Fork) · 107 ft³/s · About average

Final Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Final Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Final Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

3D terrain

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

tychay CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Moleman9000 CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Chris Hunkeler CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Wonderlane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

ex_magician CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Trail Length

2.0 miles

About Final Falls

Final Falls tumbles through a mossy, forested gorge in Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This quieter cascade is a favorite for hikers looking for a peaceful waterfall setting away from crowds; the most direct access follows the USFS Kinzel Lake Trail (#665), which threads through old-growth stands and ferny creek banks before opening to the falls. If you want to camp nearby, Camp Creek Campground is about 6.85 km away, making an easy option for an overnight stay. Because the route is on USFS-managed ground in Mt. Hood National Forest, expect a natural tread and typical forest conditions; sturdy shoes and preparation for moderate grades will make the outing more enjoyable.

The Setting

Final Falls sits at 1,982 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, in the hills of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Kinzel Lake (#665), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

KINZEL LAKE #665

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

2.03 mi

Trail Description

Trail name/number: Kinzel Lake Trail, Trail #665 (USFS). Surface: NATIVE MATERIAL (natural tread). Class: 3. Typical grade: 12–20%. USFS GIS miles: 2.03. Difficulty: moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. Expect an uneven, native-material surface with steady uphill sections and short steeper pitches in the 12–20% range. The Class 3 designation and moderate difficulty reflect occasional steeper or rockier tread where careful footing is recommended; the trail is maintained by the USFS within Mt. Hood National Forest.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil setting with lush greenery and the soothing sound of cascading water. The area may be less developed, offering a more natural and rugged experience.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Final Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Final Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be at its peak due to snowmelt and rainfall.

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

Trail conditions may be slippery, especially after rain. Be cautious of uneven terrain and potential hazards such as loose rocks or fallen branches.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Oak Grove Fork, 10.1 miles away, not on Final Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

107 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

50 92 248 341

Based on 70 years of record

1.80 ft

Water depth at gauge

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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

OAK GROVE FORK NEAR GOVERNMENT CAMP, OR

USGS 14208700

10.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 54 sq mi

Altitude: 3,042 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge OAK GROVE FORK NEAR GOVERNMENT CAMP, OR (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

107 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

116 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

103 cfs

8/10

Thu

Strong

97 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

97 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

102 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

98 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

99 cfs

6/10

Best window: Thu — strong flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid October to mid November, peaking in November.

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 Rhododendron hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Final Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Final Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 55°F to 45°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 109 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 Around Final Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

Aerial view of the ground around Final Falls near Rhododendron, Oregon

The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and directions to Final Falls are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local resources or hiking guides for accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options near the trailhead.

Elevation

1,982 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.247306° N, -121.897492° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the trail and access points may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and prepare for varying trail conditions.

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

CAMP CREEK

4.3 miles away · 24 sites

Reservable

Overview The Camp Creek Campground sits next to a babbling forest creek in the country's scenic Pacific Northwest region. The campground is not far from the base of the majestic, snow-covered Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest point and a prominent landmark of the area. A variety of recreational activities surround the campground, including hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, scenic views and points of exploration.Recreation Surrounding the campground are a variety of hiking and mountain biking t

Book on Recreation.gov