Little Niagara Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Little Niagara Falls
Little Niagara Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington. It is part of the Lewis River system and is known for its serene surroundings and lush forested setting.
The Setting
Little Niagara Falls sits at 2,956 feet within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, fed by the Muddy River, in the hills of Washington.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Middle Falls (265 ft) lies 3.1 miles to the west. Also nearby: Lower Falls (43 ft, 3.8 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Little Niagara Falls is a relatively short and easy hike through a dense forest with occasional views of the Lewis River. The path is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors, with minimal elevation gain.
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 Little Niagara Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Niagara Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
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 Gifford Pinchot National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become muddy or icy. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
114 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 68 years of record
13.84 ft
Water depth at gauge
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.
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 MUDDY RIVER BELOW CLEAR CREEK NEAR COUGAR, WA (18 km away).
Today
Strong
127 cfs
7/10Tomorrow
Moderate
121 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
113 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
111 cfs
9/10Tue
Strong
115 cfs
8/10Wed
Strong
125 cfs
8/10Thu
Strong
126 cfs
8/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late May, peaking in May.
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 Trout Lake 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 173 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,946 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 73 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 102 feet in the 500 feet below it. 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
- 2,946 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 173 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
Little Niagara Falls is accessible via the Lewis River Trail (#31), which can be reached from the Lower Falls Recreation Area. The trailhead is located off Forest Road 90 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Lower Falls Recreation Area, which serves as a starting point for the trail. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
2,956 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.158171° N, -121.799529° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy in spring or after rain. Bring insect repellent during summer months.
Where to Stay
Lone Fir Resort
Explore Mt St Helens A-Frame Chalet with Deck!
Rustic Cougar Cabin with Wood-Burning Fire Pit!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
LOWER FALLS CAMPGROUND
3.8 miles away · 44 sites
Overview Lower Falls Campground is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Visitors enjoy several waterfalls in the area and access to the Lewis River Trail. The campground is open from mid-May through October.Recreation Near the campground are several trailheads that provide visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. There are hiking trails, mountain bike trails, horse trails, and motorcycle trails within 10 miles of the campground. The Lewis River contains rainbow, cutthroat
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Nearby Attractions
Lower Lewis River Falls, Middle Lewis River Falls, and Curly Creek Falls are all located nearby and worth visiting.
Wildlife
The area is home to deer, birds, and other forest wildlife. Keep an eye out for small mammals and native plants.
Cities near Little Niagara Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Little Niagara Falls
3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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