Aerial view · USGS
Hideaway Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
3D terrainBefore you go
No trail reaches Hideaway Falls. The only documented route is a long off-trail bushwhack through steep, rough terrain.
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
5.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Hideaway Falls
Hideaway Falls is a three-tiered waterfall on Tumble Creek, a side stream in a steep, rugged part of the Salmon River canyon in the Mt. Hood National Forest, Clackamas County. A 2010 trip report estimated its total height at 80 to 90 feet. There is no maintained trail: the only documented visit was an off-trail bushwhack of about 2.5 miles each way from the Linney Creek Campground area, and Waterfalls Northwest still lists the falls as unconfirmed.
The Setting
Hideaway Falls sits at 2,464 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, in the hills of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows Linney Creek (#499), a 5.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
LINNEY CREEK #499
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.47 miTrail Description
There is no trail to the falls. The documented 2010 route left the Linney Creek Campground parking area heading north, crossed Draw Creek, climbed several hundred feet onto the ridge and followed it about 2.5 miles through heavy deadfall; the round trip took about 6 hours. Attempt it only with off-trail navigation skills.
What to Expect
Expect slow off-trail travel over downed logs and talus with no signs or trail markers, ending at a small three-tiered falls in a remote side canyon.
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 Hideaway Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Dogs are allowed in Mt. Hood National Forest, but this off-trail route is rough going for them.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hideaway 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. Check with Mt. Hood National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain, and there are no guardrails near the waterfall. Exercise caution near the water and avoid getting too close to the edge. Always let someone know your plans before heading out.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Oak Grove Fork, 8.6 miles away, not on Hideaway 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
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge OAK GROVE FORK NEAR GOVERNMENT CAMP, OR (14 km away).
Today
Strong
107 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Strong
99 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
97 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
97 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
102 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
98 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
99 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — strong flow, areas of fog (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 Hideaway Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Hideaway Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 43°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 Hideaway 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.
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 documented approach starts at the end of the road to Linney Creek Campground. In 2010 that road had degraded to a rough, brushy track that the visitor said needed at least 6 inches of ground clearance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Linney Creek Campground area at the end of the road; there is no trailhead for the falls.
Elevation
2,464 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.229028° N, -121.881976° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby. Cell service may be limited, so download maps or directions in advance. Be prepared for muddy conditions if visiting after rain.
Where to Stay
Mount Hood Village
Mt Air Motel
Wallace Cottage - Meredith Lodging
THE CLYDE - Your Cozy & Luxurious Mt Hood Retreat
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 Attractions
Other waterfalls and hiking trails in the area may be worth exploring. Research nearby parks or natural areas for additional activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disturbing the natural habitat.
Cities near Hideaway Falls
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Aerial
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