Is swimming allowed at Little Niagara Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Little Niagara Falls.

Aerial view of the ground around Little Niagara Falls near Rhododendron, Oregon

Aerial view · USGS

Nearby gauge (Oak Grove Fork) · 107 ft³/s · About average

Little Niagara Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Little Niagara Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Little Niagara Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Little Niagara Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $5.00. A permit is also required. A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at the trailhead.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

3D terrain

Also For 3 other waterfalls also named Little Niagara Falls, see below

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

7.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

400 ft

About Little Niagara Falls

Little Niagara Falls is a compact, photogenic cascade tucked inside Mount Hood National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls drop into clear, turquoise pools framed by lush, mossy forest; despite its name the site feels tucked away, reached by a very short spur trail off a longer backcountry route. Access to the falls is via the KINZEL LAKE SPUR (Trail #665A), a brief connector that finishes the approach and puts you right at the water's edge. The approach is an enjoyable moderate outing — the full route is about 7.0 miles out-and-back with roughly 400 feet of elevation gain — and the spur to the falls itself is only 0.02 miles. Expect native-material tread and sections that climb at a typical grade of 12–20%; the spur is rated Class 3, so footing can be uneven and slippery after rain. If you want to stay nearby, Camp Creek Campground lies about 7.19 km from the falls for overnight options.

The Setting

Little Niagara Falls sits at 2,162 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, in the hills of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

7.0 mi distance 400 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Kinzel Lake Spur (#665A), a 7.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 400 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

KINZEL LAKE SPUR #665A

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.02 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Little Niagara Falls is part of a roughly 7.0-mile out-and-back route managed by the U.S. Forest Service in Mount Hood National Forest. Total elevation gain is about 400 feet and the route is rated moderate. The falls are reached by the KINZEL LAKE SPUR (Trail #665A), a 0.02-mile connector with a native-material surface and a typical grade of 12–20%. The spur is Class 3—short but uneven—so expect narrow, natural tread and potentially slippery or muddy sections after rain. Overall the approach passes through mature forest, crosses small streams, and finishes at the short but scenic spur to the cascade.

What to Expect

Swimming is permitted. 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 Little Niagara Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at the trailhead.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Niagara Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Mt. Hood National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious on slippery rocks near the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost. Check weather conditions before your visit, as heavy rain can make the trail hazardous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Oak Grove Fork, 9.5 miles away, not on Little Niagara Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

107 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

50 92 248 341

Based on 70 years of record

1.80 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

OAK GROVE FORK NEAR GOVERNMENT CAMP, OR

USGS 14208700

9.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 54 sq mi

Altitude: 3,042 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge OAK GROVE FORK NEAR GOVERNMENT CAMP, OR (15 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

107 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Strong

107 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Strong

99 cfs

9/10

Thu

Strong

97 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

97 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

102 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

98 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

99 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, areas of fog (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid October to mid November, peaking in November.

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 Rhododendron hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Little Niagara Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Little Niagara Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 55°F to 44°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 109 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 Oregon.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain Around Little Niagara Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

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

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Little Niagara Falls is accessed via the Opal Creek Trailhead, located near the town of Lyons, Oregon. From the trailhead, follow the Opal Creek Trail to reach the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

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

Elevation

2,162 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.241858° N, -121.885986° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 7.0 miles and 400 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.

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.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

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

CAMP CREEK

4.5 miles away · 24 sites

Reservable

Overview The Camp Creek Campground sits next to a babbling forest creek in the country's scenic Pacific Northwest region. The campground is not far from the base of the majestic, snow-covered Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest point and a prominent landmark of the area. A variety of recreational activities surround the campground, including hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, scenic views and points of exploration.Recreation Surrounding the campground are a variety of hiking and mountain biking t

Book on Recreation.gov