Hazard Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
6.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,230 ft
About Hazard Falls
Hazard Falls is a tall, two-tier waterfall in the Hazard Creek drainage on the Payette National Forest, east of US Highway 95 north of New Meadows. The Hazard Creek Trail starts on a forest road, then narrows to singletrack and climbs gradually through forest and older burn areas. Trip reports describe a first waterfall about 2 miles in and Hazard Falls about three-quarters of a mile farther, for a round trip of about 6 miles with roughly 1,230 feet of gain.
The Setting
Hazard Falls sits at 4,806 feet within Payette National Forest, in the mountains of Idaho.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Hazard Creek (#317), a 6.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 1,230 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
HAZARD CREEK #317
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
1.78 miTrail Description
The Hazard Creek Trail begins on a dirt forest road, drops briefly, then becomes singletrack that climbs gradually through forest. About 2 miles in, a side path on the left leads through downed trees to the first waterfall (reported as Hyatt Falls); Hazard Falls is about three-quarters of a mile farther, past a large boulder field, by keeping right at the second falls junction. The full out-and-back is about 6 miles with about 1,230 feet of elevation gain.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hazard Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on this Payette National Forest trail; keep them leashed.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hazard Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Hazard Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Payette National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Ledges at Hazard Falls drop steeply, so stay back from the edge, especially on wet rock. Watch footing in the boulder field and through burned, downed timber. Carry bear spray and be prepared for changing mountain weather.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Little Salmon River, 14.8 miles away, not on Hazard Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
150 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 74 years of record
2.42 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE SALMON RIVER AT RIGGINS ID (24 km away).
Today
Roaring
162 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
167 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
163 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
166 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
165 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
164 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
163 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly cloudy then chance rain and snow (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in June.
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 New Meadows hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Hazard Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Hazard Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 40°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 129 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 Idaho.
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 ground through the falls loses about 406 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,744 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 281 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 305 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,744 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 406 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From US Highway 95 north of New Meadows, turn east at the Hazard Creek sign (Hazard Creek meets the Little Salmon River near highway mile 176.5) onto Hazard Creek Road, a dirt road leading to a large dirt lot. Take the left fork of the road to the small trailhead pullout. Some map apps route drivers to a highway pullout instead, so follow the road signs.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The trailhead pullout holds about four cars, and there are no toilets.
Elevation
4,806 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.203779° N, -116.256514° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
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With 6.0 miles and 1,230 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.
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
Community at Riggins Hot Springs
Cabin on Little Salmon River about 10 Mi to Riggins!
Woodland Chalet Near Brundage Mountain
Camas Family Cabin
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.
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GROUSE CAMPGROUND
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Nearby Attractions
The Salmon River offers opportunities for fishing, rafting, and other outdoor activities. Nearby towns like Riggins provide dining and lodging options.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. Be cautious and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
Cities near Hazard Falls
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