McNabb Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Before you go
No established trail to McNabb Falls is documented. Nearby trails enter the Middle Santiam Wilderness, where a free self-issue permit is required June 15 to October 15, and some were closed after the Pyramid Fire.
Photo Credits (2)
About McNabb Falls
McNabb Falls is a waterfall on Fitt Creek in the Middle Santiam River country of the Willamette National Forest, in remote Linn County forest south of Detroit, at about 2,200 feet. It is shown on USGS maps, but we found no published description, height or established route to the falls.
The Setting
McNabb Falls sits at 2,224 feet within Willamette National Forest, in the hills of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
USFS Trail
CHIMNEY PEAK #3382
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
3.49 miWhat to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at McNabb Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on Willamette National Forest trails; keep them under control in wilderness areas.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at McNabb Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Willamette National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
This is remote country with unmaintained trails, heavy blowdown and unbridged stream crossings. Carry a map and navigation tools.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Quartzville Creek, 6.8 miles away, not on McNabb Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
224 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 3 years of record
9.85 ft
Water depth at gauge
48°F
Very coldExpect 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 48 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge QUARTZVILLE CREEK BLW GALENA CREEK NR CASCADIA, OR (11 km away).
Today
Roaring
224 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
365 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
560 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
565 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
481 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
374 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
301 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early December to late December, peaking in December.
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 Detroit hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is McNabb Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
McNabb Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 42°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 137 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
Location & Access
Getting There
The area is reached from Highway 20 east of Sweet Home via Forest Road 2041, which is closed in winter. We found no documented trail to the falls itself.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
2,224 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.527298° N, -122.219465° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Where to Stay
Dog-friendly house with pool hot tub fitness room fireplace grill & deck
Rushing River Retreat
Remote Escape Riverside Home with Scenic Views
The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse
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
Yellowbottom Recreation Site
8.7 miles away · 21 sites
Overview Yellowbottom Recreation Site is closed to camping indefinitely. Visitor safety is our top priority. The nearby Old Miner's Meadow group campsite can be reserved on recreation.gov. Other camping may be available in surrounding national forest and county areas. Yellowbottom day use area remains open for use.Recreation Yellowbottom offers a one-mile hiking trail, access to Quartzville Creek Wild and Scenic River, and a take off point to explore nearby recreation trails. Facilities This smal
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