Are there fees or permits required for Middle Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Middle Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Middle Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Middle Falls.

Nearby gauge (Clackamas River) · 1,330 ft³/s · About average

Middle Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Middle Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Middle Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 8 other waterfalls also named Middle Falls, see below

Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery FOTH · UNK

Photo Credits (4)

Ian Sane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Jaykhuang CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Jeff Krause Photography CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

TomCollins CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

3.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Middle Falls

Middle Falls is a picturesque stop along the McCloud River Falls trail system in Oregon, tucked into the green, tranquil setting of the Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery. The site is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and carries the designation FOTH, which underscores the hatchery’s role in supporting fish and riparian habitat in the area. Visitors are rewarded with a serene waterfall framed by lush forest — a popular photo spot and a peaceful place to pause on a longer river-side ramble. The route to Middle Falls is approachable for most hikers: an easy, out-and-back outing of about 3.5 miles with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain. Middle Falls is the second of three falls along the McCloud River route and is often described as the most impressive, making it a satisfying destination for families and casual hikers alike.

The Setting

Middle Falls sits at 682 feet within Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery, in the foothills of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

3.5 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 3.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Middle Falls follows the McCloud River Falls route as a well-maintained, relatively flat out-and-back roughly 3.5 miles round trip, with about 200 feet of cumulative elevation gain. Rated easy, the trail stays mostly forested and offers frequent river views as it passes by the sequence of three waterfalls; Middle Falls is the second and commonly considered the most striking. Expect an accessible path with a gentle grade suitable for most abilities — ideal for a relaxed day-hike rather than technical scrambling.

What to Expect

Swimming is permitted. 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 Middle Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Middle Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid the trail during heavy rain or snow.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Clackamas River, 4.7 miles away, not on Middle Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

1,330 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

925 1.2k 2.7k 4.9k

Based on 117 years of record

11.57 ft

Water depth at gauge

48°F

Very cold

Expect 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. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.4 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

11.9 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

7.4

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

0.4 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

69 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

CLACKAMAS RIVER AT ESTACADA, OR

USGS 14210000

4.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 671 sq mi

Altitude: 287 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CLACKAMAS RIVER AT ESTACADA, OR (8 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

1190 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

1285 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

1212 cfs

8/10

Thu

Roaring

1178 cfs

8/10

Fri

Roaring

1285 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

1354 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

1354 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

1520 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late May, 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 Estacada hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Middle Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Middle Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 47°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 923 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.

The bare-earth surface loses about 107 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 680 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 105 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 23 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Middle Falls near Estacada, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Middle Falls near Estacada, Oregon, showing about 107 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 680 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 107 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Middle Falls can be accessed via the McCloud River Falls Trail, which is located near the town of McCloud, Oregon. The trailhead is well-marked and accessible by car.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the trailhead, which typically has enough space for visitors. However, it may fill up during peak seasons.

Elevation

682 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.294986° N, -122.256717° W

Land Management

Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery FOTH

Managed by FWS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy in spring or after rain. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 3.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

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.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

LAZY BEND

7.6 miles away · 22 sites

Reservable

Overview Campground closed due to the 2020 Riverside Wildfire Lazy Bend Campground sits next to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River, close to the city of Estacada. The adjacent river provides countless opportunities for rafting, kayaking, fishing and swimming. The lush, green campground is comfortable for individuals and families who want to escape into nature in Oregon's Mt. Hood National Forest. Recreation Fishing is very popular on the Clackamas River. Anglers can expect a catch of winter stee

Book on Recreation.gov