LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Groundhog Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Groundhog Falls
Groundhog Falls is a tucked-away cascade in Oregon that rewards visitors seeking a quiet, forested retreat. The waterfall sits amid dense stands of native trees and offers a peaceful setting for photography, wildlife watching, or a short nature escape. Because it’s lesser-known, expect fewer crowds and a more solitary experience than at popular day-use sites. The falls and access route lie on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Vale Malheur Field Office (designation: PUB). The hike to the viewpoint is a moderate out-and-back route of 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain, so come prepared with sturdy footwear and water. The nearest developed campground is Three Forks, roughly 14.6 km away, so plan accordingly if you’re looking to camp overnight.
The Setting
Groundhog Falls sits at 4,764 feet within Vale Malheur Field Office, fed by the Owyhee River, in the mountains of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and an overall difficulty rating of moderate. The route travels through forested terrain and can be uneven or rocky in places, so hikers should expect natural tread and occasional roots or stone steps rather than paved surfaces. Suitable for day hikers with moderate fitness, the trail leads directly to a quiet viewpoint of Groundhog Falls; follow standard Leave No Trace practices while visiting BLM-managed lands.
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 Groundhog Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Groundhog Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and avoid venturing too close to the edge. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 28.7 miles away
61 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 76 years of record
1.25 ft
Water depth at gauge
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.
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 OWYHEE RIVER NR ROME OR (46 km away).
Today
Moderate
61 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
59 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
62 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
62 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
62 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
66 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
65 cfs
8/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early June, peaking in March.
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 Jordan Valley 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 24 feet through Groundhog Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 4,762 feet.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. Facing north, the falls 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
- 4,762 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 24 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- 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 north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Groundhog Falls is located in a remote area of Oregon. Access may require driving on unpaved forest roads, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Specific directions should be confirmed with local resources or maps.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is limited and may consist of informal pullouts along the road. Visitors should ensure they are not blocking access roads or trails.
Elevation
4,764 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.675711° N, -117.146807° W
Land Management
Managed by BLM
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become muddy after rain.
Where to Stay
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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Nearby Campground
Three Forks
9.1 miles away · 0 sites
Overview:One of the most remote locations in Oregon, the Three Forks Recreation Site offers camping, fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities in the canyonland confluence of the North Fork Owyhee, Middle Fork Owyhee, and Owyhee Rivers.Know Before You Go:The Soldier Creek Loop Road can be impassable when wet or muddy, so plan accordingly. It is designated a BLM Watchable Wildlife road, and is enjoyed by a variety of users – including outdoor enthusiasts, birders, ranchers, upland bird and big
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Groundhog Falls, Oregon
Unnamed Spring Owyhee County 4
Three Forks Hot Spring flows at 95°F on BLM land at 3,992 feet in the North Fork Owyhee River Canyon, creating a 42.5°F tempera...
Canters Hot Spring
Canters Hot Spring produces 120-degree water that flows 70.2 degrees above ambient temperature near Delamar Way in Owyhee Count...
Scott Spring
Scott Spring flows at 68°F in Idaho's Owyhee County, emerging at 3,886 feet elevation just across the Oregon border near Homeda...
Tudors Spring
Tudors Spring emerges at 68°F on the Owyhee Plateau at 3,892 feet elevation, creating a subtle 15.2-degree temperature differen...
Hot Spring
Hot Spring flows at 106°F along Owyhee Reservoir at 2,740 feet elevation on Bureau of Reclamation lands, sitting 58 meters from...
Unnamed Spring Owyhee County 2
At 2,730 feet in Owyhee County BLM territory, this spring produces 145°F (63°C) water with extreme alkalinity: pH 9.5, the high...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Groundhog Falls, Oregon on SoakingSprings.
Explore Oregon springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints in the surrounding forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be respectful of the natural habitat.
Other waterfalls named Groundhog Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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