Lost Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (2)
About Lost Creek Falls
Lost Creek Falls is a named waterfall on Lost Creek in Adams County, on Payette National Forest land southwest of New Meadows (USGS Tamarack quadrangle). Lidar mapping suggests a drop of only about 10 feet. No trail, trailhead or published route to the falls could be found, so plan this as an off-trail exploration only if you are comfortable navigating with a map.
The Setting
Lost Creek Falls sits at 4,386 feet within Payette National Forest, in the mountains of Idaho.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
No maintained trail to Lost Creek Falls is documented. Distance and elevation gain are unknown.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and elevation changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lost Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on Payette National Forest land but must be leashed in developed recreation sites.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lost Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Lost Creek Falls, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest 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 Payette National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make the trail muddy and more challenging. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on North Fork Payette River, 16.4 miles away, not on Lost Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
30 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 116 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NF PAYETTE RIVER AT MCCALL ID (26 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
30 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
4/10Fri
Barely Flowing
30 cfs
3/10Sat
Low
33 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
33 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
34 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
33 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid July, 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 New Meadows hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Lost Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Lost Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 50°F to 38°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 30 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 Idaho.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are on Lost Creek in the Payette National Forest southwest of New Meadows. No trailhead is documented; ask the Payette National Forest New Meadows Ranger District about current road and access conditions before going.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
4,386 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.917778° N, -116.453056° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven or slippery. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as mosquitoes may be present. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the trail with fewer crowds.
Where to Stay
Cozy Cabin in McCall
Ponderosa
Sierra Miracle
Papas House on the Golf Course
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
Cold Springs Campground - Payette NF (ID)
2.2 miles away · 34 sites
Overview Cold Springs Campground is located near Lost Valley Reservoir, just 10 miles from New Meadows, Idaho. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and swimming. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no c
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Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and carry bear spray if hiking in remote areas.
Cities near Lost Creek Falls
Other waterfalls named Lost Creek Falls
4 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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