LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Hompegg Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Hompegg Falls
Hompegg Falls is a quietly beautiful cascade tucked into the heart of Umatilla National Forest, where a small creek drops as it empties into the north fork of the Touchet River. The falls sit amid dense, moss-draped forest and granite outcrops, about 2 miles south of the Huckleberry Mountain Reservoir Dam and Lewis Creek and roughly 8 miles north of Ski Bluewood. The waterfall’s unusual name comes from the initials of seven hikers who discovered it while exploring the forest in the 1930s, a bit of local history that adds character to this off-the-beaten-path spot. Managed as part of the U.S. Forest Service lands within Umatilla National Forest, Hompegg Falls is a rewarding destination for hikers seeking a quieter waterfall experience and good photo opportunities without the crowds. If you want to make an overnight trip of it, the Godman Guard Station campground lies about 7.44 km away, providing nearby camping options within the same forest unit.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
This makes it a comfortable half-day outing for most hikers, with a steady but not steep climb. No specific USFS trail number, surface classification, or formal grade is provided in the available records for the established route to the falls. Hikers should expect a forest route through mixed timber; carrying a map or GPS and wearing sturdy footwear is recommended, and campers can use the nearby Godman Guard Station campground roughly 7.44 km away as a base.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil environment with a small waterfall surrounded by dense greenery. The area may be less crowded due to its relative obscurity.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hompegg Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hompegg Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is likely to have higher flow due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be unmarked or involve uneven terrain. Visitors should exercise caution, especially during wet or icy conditions. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Touchet River, 16.3 miles away, not on Hompegg Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
58 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
7.64 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TOUCHET RIVER AT GALLAHER RD NEAR WAITSBURG, WA (26 km away).
Today
Moderate
58 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
63 cfs
8/10Sat
Strong
60 cfs
10/10Sun
Strong
63 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
65 cfs
8/10Tue
Strong
65 cfs
8/10Wed
Strong
65 cfs
8/10Best window: Sat — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
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 Dayton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Hompegg Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Hompegg Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 66°F to 52°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 58 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 223 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 3,036 feet.
The ground changes about 313 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 37 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,036 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 223 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Specific directions to Hompegg Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or hiking resources for the most accurate route information.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or at a trailhead if a designated lot is not available.
Elevation
3,031 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.164966° N, -117.811093° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain.
Where to Stay
The Winemaker's Suite
Best Western Plus Dayton
Comfort Inn & Suites Walla Walla
The Wesley Walla Walla
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
GODMAN GUARD STATION
4.6 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Godman Guard Station was built in 1933-34 as part of an administrative complex and sits just outside the impressive Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. This two-story, wood frame structure is surrounded by tall timbers such as Grand fir, Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, Lodgepole pine, and subalpine fir. The complex is adjacent to the historic Godman Campground built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The cabin is located about 28 miles from Dayton, Washington in the Umatilla National Forest. Wea
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls or hiking trails in the region may be worth exploring. Check local guides for recommendations.
Wildlife
The area may be home to typical Pacific Northwest wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Hompegg Falls
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