Are there fees or permits required for Horseshoe Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Horseshoe Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Horseshoe Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Horseshoe Falls.

Live Conditions · 51 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Horseshoe Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Horseshoe Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Horseshoe Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 14 other waterfalls also named Horseshoe Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

Northwest Rafting Company CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

610 ft

About Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked into the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, named for the broad, horseshoe-shaped drop that draws photographers and day-hikers alike. The fall sits amid lush forested slopes and is part of a tight cluster of scenic drops in the Horsetail Falls area, so it’s easy to combine this stop with nearby waterfalls on the same outing. The most common approach begins at the Horsetail Falls Trailhead and follows a well-maintained path past other highlights such as Ponytail Falls. The route is an out-and-back of about 2.6 miles with roughly 610 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate — a satisfying half-day hike that rewards you with a scenic, photogenic cascade nestled in the Gorge.

The Setting

Horseshoe Falls sits at 1,532 feet along the Little North Santiam River, in the hills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Shellburg Falls (100 ft) lies 1.1 miles to the west. Also nearby: Stout Creek Falls (34 ft, 0.7 mi).

Shellburg Falls Stout Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 610 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trailhead: Horsetail Falls Trailhead. Route: out-and-back, ~2.6 miles total, ~610 ft elevation gain, difficulty: moderate. The trail follows a well-maintained forest footpath and passes Ponytail Falls and other scenic drops before reaching Horseshoe Falls. Expect a steady climb in places and typical hiking terrain on a single-track path; trail is suitable for most hikers comfortable with moderate grades.

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 Horseshoe Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Horseshoe Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the waterfall. Be cautious of falling rocks and debris.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

51 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2.63 ft

Water depth at gauge

63°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

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. Water temperature is a refreshing 63 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.4 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

8.9 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

7.4

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

50 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

LITTLE NORTH SANTIAM RIVER NEAR MEHAMA, OR

USGS 14182500

1.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 112 sq mi

Altitude: 655 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE NORTH SANTIAM RIVER NEAR MEHAMA, OR (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

51 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

51 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Low

58 cfs

3/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

57 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

60 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

53 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

58 cfs

3/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

60 cfs

5/10

Best window: Sat — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early January to late January, peaking in January.

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 Lyons 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 129 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,532 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 52 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 83 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Horseshoe Falls near Lyons, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Horseshoe Falls near Lyons, Oregon, showing about 129 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,532 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 129 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Horseshoe Falls is accessible via the Horsetail Falls Trailhead, located along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The trailhead is well-marked and easy to find.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Horsetail Falls Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

1,532 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.810247° N, -122.586599° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds.

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With 2.6 miles and 610 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

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Aquila Vista Recreation Site

12.9 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Aquila Vista is closed until further notice to remove wildfire burned danger trees. Aquila Vista is available for overnight group camping for groups up to 30 people and 20 vehicles. The season, when it reopens, will be mid-May through mid-October. The site is located in the heart of the forest next to a large beaver pond. There is plenty of hiking and natural beauty to see at Aquila Vista including a small waterfall. Amenities include vault toilet, two group picnic shelters with multiple

Book on Recreation.gov