Loowit Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
8.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Loowit Falls
Loowit Falls is a scenic waterfall set within Mount Hood National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls make a rewarding destination for a short outing, framed by the forested slopes of this national forest unit. The setting is approachable for day hikers looking for a peaceful water feature without a lengthy backcountry commitment. The trailhead sits within a landscape served by the Dublin Lake Trail system (see trail notes below), and nearby Eagle Creek — a tributary of the Columbia River that runs roughly 15 miles from Thrush Pond between Eagle Butte and Tanner Butte to its mouth near Bonneville Dam — lies within the same general corridor. For campers, Eagle Creek Campground is about 4.88 km from the falls, making overnight stays a convenient option. The U.S. Forest Service manages the area and maintains the trails and nearby facilities in Mount Hood National Forest.
The Setting
Loowit Falls sits at 712 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Bull Run River, in the foothills of Oregon.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Tunnel Falls (120 ft) lies 2.3 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Metlako Falls (101 ft, 1.5 mi) and Wahclella Falls (65 ft, 3.3 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows Dublin Lake (#401B), a 8.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is minimally developed (Class 1).
USFS Trail
DUBLIN LAKE #401B
Trail Class
Minimally Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.20 miTrail Description
The approach to Loowit Falls is an out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles total with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; difficulty is rated moderate. A portion of the route follows the USFS Dublin Lake Trail (Trail #401B). According to USFS trail data, Trail #401B is Class 1 with a native material surface and a typical grade of 12–20%, and the mapped segment is 0.2 miles. Expect native tread underfoot and a few short, steeper pitches on that segment. The route is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service (Mount Hood National Forest); plan for standard day-hike preparations and note that Eagle Creek Campground lies about 4.88 km away if you need nearby camping.
What to Expect
Expect a strenuous hike through a unique volcanic environment. The trail can be exposed to the elements, with little shade and potentially strong winds. The waterfall itself is a beautiful sight, cascading down the volcanic terrain, but the journey to reach it is as much a part of the experience as the destination.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Loowit Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent permit is required for parking. Additional permits may be required for backcountry camping.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Loowit Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring through early fall when the trail is typically free of snow and weather conditions are more favorable.
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
Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Hikers should be prepared for rugged terrain, exposure to the elements, and potential volcanic activity. Check weather and trail conditions before your visit. Carry a map or GPS device, as the trail can be difficult to follow in some areas.
Current Water Conditions
14 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 33 years of record
0.82 ft
Water depth at gauge
44°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
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 BULL RUN RIVER AT LOWER FLUME NR BRIGHTWOOD, OR (15 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
15 cfs
4/10Thu
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid June, peaking in April.
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 Cascade Locks 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 317 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 695 feet.
The ground changes about 327 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 34 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
- 695 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 317 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
Getting There
Loowit Falls is accessed via the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The most common route to the falls is through the Loowit Trail, which requires a hike starting from the Johnston Ridge Observatory or other nearby trailheads. The area is remote and requires preparation for backcountry hiking.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Johnston Ridge Observatory or other designated trailheads in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument area. Parking may require a Northwest Forest Pass or other applicable permits.
Elevation
712 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.608280° N, -121.885471° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to avoid the heat and ensure enough time for the hike. Bring plenty of water, as there are no reliable water sources along the trail. Wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for uneven and rocky terrain. Check trail conditions before heading out, as the area can be affected by weather or volcanic activity.
Where to Stay
Skamania Lodge
Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn
Carson Hot Springs Resort & Spa
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
EAGLE CREEK CAMPGROUND
3 miles away · 17 sites
Overview Eagle Creek campground is located above Interstate 84 among tall trees. It was the first developed campground in the Forest Service system. Campsites are well-spaced creating a feeling of privacy. It is, however, located on the bluff above Interstate 84 and railroad tracks so it can be noisy.Recreation This campground is part of the Eagle Creek Recreation Area featuring the classic and popular Eagle Creek trail and access to several other hiking and road biking trails. There are outstand
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Johnston Ridge Observatory, Spirit Lake, and other trails within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area may include deer, elk, and various bird species. However, the volcanic terrain is not as densely populated with wildlife as other forested areas.
Cities near Loowit Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Loowit Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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