Metlako Falls
Oregon • 101 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Metlako Falls
Metlako Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. It is known for its picturesque drop into a narrow, lush canyon and is a popular destination for hikers and photographers. The waterfall is part of Eagle Creek and is surrounded by dense forest, offering a serene and scenic experience.
The Setting
Metlako Falls sits at 331 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon. At 101 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 101 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Wahclella Falls (65 ft) lies 2.6 miles to the west. Also nearby: Punch Bowl Falls (35 ft, 0.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Metlako Falls (#440A), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
METLAKO FALLS #440A
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.11 miTrail Description
The trail to Metlako Falls is part of the Eagle Creek Trail, which is known for its dramatic scenery, including cliffs, lush vegetation, and multiple waterfalls. The trail is relatively short but includes some narrow sections with steep drop-offs, so caution is advised. The viewpoint for Metlako Falls is located off a spur trail, offering a distant but beautiful view of the waterfall.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 101 feet. 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 Metlako Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Metlako Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience but may have icy trail conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Mt. Hood 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.
The trail includes narrow paths with steep drop-offs, so exercise caution, especially with children or pets. Be aware of slippery conditions after rain or during winter months. Stay on designated trails and avoid venturing too close to the edge at the viewpoint.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Bull Run River, 10.5 miles away, not on Metlako Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
310 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 60 years of record
3.96 ft
Water depth at gauge
48°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 48 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 NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR (17 km away).
Today
Strong
333 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
332 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
413 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
423 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
399 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
456 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
538 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid April, peaking in January.
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 Stevenson hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Metlako Falls Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing
Metlako Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 50°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 501 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, 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.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 276 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The falls are listed at 101 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 333 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 153 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 416 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls 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
- 333 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 276 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
Metlako Falls is accessed via the Eagle Creek Trail, which begins near the town of Cascade Locks, Oregon. The trailhead is located off Interstate 84 at Exit 41. Follow signs to the Eagle Creek Trail parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Eagle Creek Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
331 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.628129° N, -121.898804° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the trail can be slippery. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views, and pack water and snacks for the hike.
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With 1.5 miles and 200 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
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
1.6 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
Other waterfalls along the Eagle Creek Trail, such as Punch Bowl Falls and Tunnel Falls, are worth visiting. The Columbia River Gorge offers numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for native flora and fauna along the trail.
Cities near Metlako Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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