Gnat Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Gnat Creek Falls
Gnat Creek Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in the lush forests of northwest Oregon. It is part of the Gnat Creek Trail, which follows the creek through a serene and mossy environment. The falls are surrounded by dense vegetation, making it a peaceful spot for nature lovers.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 4.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Gnat Creek Trail is a well-maintained path that winds through a dense forest of ferns, moss-covered trees, and alongside the creek. The trail features gentle inclines and a few steeper sections, making it moderately challenging. The waterfall is located about halfway along the trail and offers a tranquil spot to rest and enjoy the scenery.
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 Gnat Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gnat Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to seasonal rains. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions, so caution is advised.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery during wet weather, so use caution. Watch for exposed roots and rocks along the path. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Nehalem River, 12.7 miles away, not on Gnat Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
204 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
3.56 ft
Water depth at gauge
51°F
WarmVery comfortable
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display. Water temperature is a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time 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 NEHALEM RIVER AT JEWELL, OR (20 km away).
Today
Roaring
220 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
212 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
220 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
229 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
229 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
229 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
229 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, cloudy then patchy fog (trip score 8/10).
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 Westport hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Gnat Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Gnat Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°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
- 169 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.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 179 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,532 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 103 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 49 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
- 1,532 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 165 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
Gnat Creek Falls is located near Astoria, Oregon, off Highway 30. The trailhead for Gnat Creek Trail can be accessed from the Gnat Creek Campground, which is well-marked and easy to find.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Gnat Creek Campground, which serves as the trailhead. The parking area is relatively small, so arriving early is recommended, especially during weekends or peak seasons.
Elevation
1,522 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.118780° N, -123.481411° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, especially during wet weather. Pack water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience.
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With 4.4 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.
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
Oceanview Inn at the Arch
Hallmark Resort in Cannon Beach
Inn at the Prom Oceanfront
Mermaid Inn
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
Nearby attractions include the Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery and the historic town of Astoria, which offers museums, restaurants, and scenic views of the Columbia River.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for salmon in the creek during spawning season.
Cities near Gnat Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
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