Horseshoe Falls
Washington • 22 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
Horseshoe Falls is on private property with no public trail or viewpoint. Do not cross private land to reach it; Sunset Falls, about 4 km upstream, has a public day-use area.
Photo Credits (5)
About Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls is a dome-shaped drop of about 22 feet on the East Fork Lewis River, downstream of Sunset Falls and east of Yacolt in Clark County. It is known mainly as a whitewater rapid, and a paddling guide places it on private property, with past access problems around the falls. We found no public trail or official viewpoint.
The Setting
Horseshoe Falls sits at 791 feet in the foothills of Washington. The falls drop 22 feet.
Height: 22 feet
Trail & Hike Details
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 22 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Horseshoe Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at the trailhead. Day passes can be purchased online or at nearby ranger stations.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Horseshoe Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls as rocks can be slippery. Stay on designated trails to avoid accidents. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain or snow can make the trail hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Fork Lewis River, 8 miles away, not on Horseshoe Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
194 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 97 years of record
11.16 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual 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 EAST FORK LEWIS RIVER NEAR HEISSON, WA (13 km away).
Today
Roaring
210 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
203 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
209 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
191 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
199 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
214 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
245 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to late January, peaking in December.
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 Yacolt hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Horseshoe Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Horseshoe Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 62°F to 50°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 139 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 124 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 22 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 791 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 190 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 55 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 791 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 124 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Elevation
791 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.813169° N, -122.302871° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Where to Stay
Best Western Plus Battleground Inn & Suites
La Quinta by Wyndham Vancouver
Heathman Lodge
Comfy Family Home, Walkable Neighborhood + Patio!
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
Sunset Falls Campground
2.6 miles away · 18 sites
Overview Sunset Campground is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Visitors enjoy scenic views of the river and a waterfall within the campground. The campground is open all year. Recreation There are several hiking trails nearby, including the Silver Star trail which offers excellent views of Portland, Oregon. The area is also popular with kayakers that visit the East Fork Lewis River.Facilities Sunset Campground offers 18 standard sites that accommodate tents and RVs (22 feet), but n
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Nearby Attractions
Sunset Falls Campground and day-use area on the East Fork Lewis River is about 4 km upstream, and Moulton Falls Regional Park is downstream near Yacolt.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of bears and other larger animals, especially during dawn and dusk.
Cities near Horseshoe Falls
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Other waterfalls named Horseshoe Falls
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