Are there fees or permits required for Hunter Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Hunter Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Hunter Falls.

Live Conditions · 13 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Hunter Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hunter Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Hunter Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Wallowa National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Hollywata CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Hunter Falls

Hunter Falls is a quiet, picturesque waterfall tucked into Oregon’s Wallowa National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Nestled among mature conifers and fern-lined slopes, the falls are a peaceful destination for hikers and photographers looking for a less-trafficked nature escape. The approach to Hunter Falls is an out-and-back hike of about 2.0 miles with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain, making it a doable half-day outing for those comfortable on moderate trails. If you want to make a night of it, Shady Campground is nearby (approximately 8.65 km from the falls) and provides a convenient Forest Service campground base for exploring the area further.

The Setting

Hunter Falls sits at 5,141 feet within Wallowa National Forest, fed by the East Fork Wallowa River, in the high mountains of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail to Hunter Falls (on USFS-managed land within Wallowa National Forest) is a 2.0-mile out-and-back route with about 300 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The path winds through dense forest and features uneven footing with a few steeper pitches, so expect a steady climb in places. The provided USFS data does not specify an official surface type, grade, or trail class, so wear sturdy footwear and plan for variable trail conditions.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through a forested area leading to a charming waterfall. The area around the falls may be rocky and slippery, so caution is advised.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hunter Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Hunter Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Wallowa National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The trail may be slippery, especially after rain. Watch for loose rocks and uneven ground. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

13 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2 4 9 12

Based on 54 years of record

4.70 ft

Water depth at gauge

45°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

EAST FORK WALLOWA RIVER NEAR JOSEPH, OR

USGS 13325000

10.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 10 sq mi

Altitude: 4,540 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EAST FORK WALLOWA RIVER NEAR JOSEPH, OR (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

13 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

14 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

13 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

13 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

15 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

13 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

13 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

13 cfs

8/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early August, peaking in July.

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 Joseph 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.

1-meter lidar measures about 167 feet of descent through Hunter Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 5,175 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 174 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 118 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Hunter Falls near Joseph, Oregon, showing about 167 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,175 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 167 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; 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 west).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Specific directions to Hunter Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for accurate navigation. The falls may be located within a forested area, requiring some hiking to access.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options near the trailhead.

Elevation

5,141 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.333693° N, -117.404057° W

Land Management

Wallowa National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Check trail conditions before visiting, especially during rainy seasons, as the trail may become muddy or slippery.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.0 miles and 300 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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Shady Campground

5.4 miles away · 0 sites

Shady Campground is a small rustic campground located along the Wild and Scenic Lostine River. Nestled in a 'shady' cool fir and pine tree forest, the campground is popular during the summer for local and regional campers visiting the Lostine Canyon and Eagle Cap Wilderness. This campground is adjacent to the Maxwell Trailhead which climbs into the wilderness.

Book on Recreation.gov