LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Hn(wa'(we'elshn (historical)
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Hn(wa'(we'elshn (historical)
Hn(wa'(we'elshn (historical) is a little-known waterfall site in Washington best appreciated by hikers who enjoy quiet, historically significant places rather than heavily developed tourist stops. The feature is primarily recognized for its historical value, and available information about marked access or facilities is limited, so visits tend to attract folks comfortable with less-formal routes and some route-finding. Because formal access details, trailhead signage, and management agency specifics are not provided in the available data, plan ahead with current maps or by checking with local land managers before you go.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Difficulty: moderate. Official surface, grade, and USFS trail number/class were not provided in the available data, so hikers should prepare for natural trail conditions and possible unmarked sections. Bring a current map or GPS, wear sturdy footwear, and check with local authorities or land managers for route specifics and current access information before setting out.
What to Expect
Visitors should expect limited or no developed facilities. The area may be remote, and the waterfall's visibility or flow may vary depending on the season and local conditions.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hn(wa'(we'elshn (historical)?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hn(wa'(we'elshn (historical)?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is uncertain, but spring and early summer may offer higher water flow due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution due to the lack of detailed information. Be prepared for uneven terrain, potential wildlife encounters, and changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Spokane River, 0.1 miles away, not on Hn(wa'(we'elshn (historical)'s own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
2,230 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 12 years of record
6.23 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SPOKANE RIVER BELOW N GREENE ST AT SPOKANE, WA (0 km away).
Today
Strong
2408 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
2319 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
2319 cfs
9/10Fri
Strong
2576 cfs
8/10Sat
Roaring
2755 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
2863 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
2539 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, patchy fog then mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early June, peaking in May.
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 Spokane hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Hn(wa'(we'elshn (historical) Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Hn(wa'(we'elshn (historical) is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 2220 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 Washington.
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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 37 feet of drop through Hn(wa'(we'elshn (historical), stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,912 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 16 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 34 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,912 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 37 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The exact location and access details for Hn(wa'(we'elshn are unclear. It may be located in a remote or less-visited area, and visitors should consult local resources or historical records for guidance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking information is not available. Visitors should prepare for limited or no designated parking facilities.
Hours
Elevation
1,913 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.679183° N, -117.362090° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Plan ahead and ensure you have adequate supplies, as the area may lack amenities. Verify access permissions and conditions before visiting.
Where to Stay
Ruby River Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Spokane Downtown
Quality Inn Oakwood
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Spokane
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.
Nearby Campground
Mica Bay Boater Park
24.1 miles away · 0 sites
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview This unique boat-in campground offers 16 tent camping units, two mooring docks, a swimming beach, three picnic units, a group picnic shelter, vault toilets, drinking water and playground equipment. This is a first-come, first-serve, self-pay fee campsite and boat dock. The campground host is available to assist visitors with the self-pay kiosk. Dogs are allowed at the site, but must be leashed or c
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions are not documented. Visitors may explore other natural or historical sites in the region.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area is not specifically documented, but typical Washington fauna may be present.
Cities near Hn(wa'(we'elshn (historical)
Nearby Waterfalls
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