Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Fishhawk Falls
Fishhawk Falls tumbles in a single, wide 72-foot cascade along Fishhawk Creek, and serves as the centerpiece of the Lee Wooden Fishhawk Falls trailhead and Recreation Site. Nestled in Clatsop County about a mile from the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area off Highway 202 between Jewell and Astoria, the falls offer a dramatic, photogenic drop framed by mossy Douglas-fir and western hemlock. The site sits on land managed by the State Department of Natural Resources (SDNR) under the Forest Development Fund of the Board of Forestry, designated as an SRMA and managed by SLB, so expect a well-kept day-use atmosphere rather than a backcountry experience. Access is intentionally easy — this is a popular short outing for families, photographers, and anyone looking for a quick nature break. The Lee Wooden Fishhawk Falls Recreation Site provides the trailhead and a viewing area near the base of the cascade; if you plan to stay overnight in the area, the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is roughly 1 mile (≈1.6 km) away, so check with the managing agency (SDNR/SLB) for nearby camping options and rules before you go.
The Setting
Fishhawk Falls sits at 807 feet within Forest Development Fund (Board Of Forestry), fed by the Nehalem River, in the foothills of Oregon.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Youngs River Falls (54 ft) lies 12.2 miles to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
This is a short, easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail with approximately 200 feet of elevation gain, rated easy and suitable for most visitors including families. The route is a well-defined forest walk from the Lee Wooden Fishhawk Falls trailhead to a viewing area at the base of the 72-foot, single wide cascade. There is no USFS trail number listed for this route; it is maintained as part of the SDNR Forest Development Fund lands (SRMA). Expect a brief, mostly gentle climb through typical coastal forest terrain — a quick, rewarding hike with minimal technical difficulty.
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 Fishhawk Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Fishhawk Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution on the trail, especially during wet weather, as the path can become slippery. Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the environment or risking injury.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NEHALEM RIVER AT JEWELL, OR (8 km away).
Today
Strong
41 cfs
7/10Tomorrow
Strong
39 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
36 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
36 cfs
8/10Tue
Strong
39 cfs
8/10Wed
Strong
41 cfs
8/10Thu
Strong
41 cfs
8/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, areas of fog then partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 Knappa 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 28 feet through Fishhawk Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 803 feet.
The ground changes about 68 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 40 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 803 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 28 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Fishhawk Falls is located off Highway 202, near the town of Jewell, Oregon. The trailhead is accessible via a short drive from the main road, with clear signage pointing to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, which can accommodate a limited number of vehicles.
Elevation
807 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.960389° N, -123.586240° W
Land Management
Managed by SLB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking, as the lot is small. Wear sturdy shoes, especially in wet conditions, as the trail may be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
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This easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Rivertide Suites
Inn at the Prom Oceanfront
Ebb Tide Oceanfront Inn
Inn of the Four Winds Seaside Oceanfront
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is nearby, offering opportunities to view elk and other wildlife. The Clatsop State Forest also has additional trails and scenic spots to explore.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter birds, deer, and other small forest animals. The area is also known for its lush vegetation and moss-covered trees.
Cities near Fishhawk Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
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