Are there fees or permits required for Mist Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Mist Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Mist Falls.

Live Conditions · 9 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Mist Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Mist Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Mist Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Mist Falls, see below

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Whatknot CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

hiestand24 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

kirknelson CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Ben Laufer CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Mist Falls

Mist Falls is a compact, photogenic cascade tucked into the forests of Mt. Hood National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Its cool spray and lush, green surroundings make it a refreshing reward for a short outing—an easy-to-love spot for photographers and hikers who want a close-up of the falls without a full-day commitment. The setting feels intimate and forested, with tree-shaded approaches that highlight the mist and moss around the drop. Access to Mist Falls is on the USFS Larch Mountain Trail, Trail 441. The standard approach is a moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, so the hike delivers a satisfying climb and payoff without being overly long. Because the route is managed by the Forest Service and follows native-material tread, expect a natural, sometimes steep trail with short pitches—perfect for hikers looking for a classic national-forest waterfall experience.

The Setting

Mist Falls sits at 577 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the North Fork Bull Run River, in the foothills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet, lies 0.8 miles to the east. Also nearby: Wahkeena Falls (242 ft, 0.2 mi) and Coopey Falls (150 ft, 1.8 mi).

Multnomah Falls Wahkeena Falls Coopey Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Larch Mountain (#441), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

LARCH MOUNTAIN #441

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.05 mi

Trail Description

Trail: Larch Mountain (USFS Trail 441). Type: out-and-back, 2.4 miles total. Elevation gain: 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Surface: native material (natural tread). USFS class: 4. Typical grade: 12–20%. The tread is predominantly natural and can be uneven and rooted in places, with short, steeper sections consistent with the listed 12–20% grade. The trail is well-defined but offers a more rustic footing than paved or heavily engineered paths, so hikers should be prepared for natural surfaces and moderate climbs. GIS miles for the mapped segment to the falls are recorded as 0.05 miles.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Mist Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Mist Falls?

❌ Swimming is not 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 seasonal rainfall and snowmelt.

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

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on designated paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls. Watch for poison oak in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

9 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

10 12 27 48

Based on 60 years of record

0.40 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 well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

44 µS/cm

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.

NORTH FORK BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR

USGS 14138900

7.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 8 sq mi

Altitude: 1,065 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NORTH FORK BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

9 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

10 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

3/10

Wed

Low

11 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

11 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to mid December, 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 Washougal 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.

The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 564 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 567 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 543 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 329 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Mist Falls near Washougal, Oregon, showing about 564 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 567 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 564 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Mist Falls is located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, near the town of Bridal Veil, Oregon. It is accessible via a short walk from the road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited roadside parking available near the trailhead. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.

Elevation

577 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.573869° N, -122.130820° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be slippery, especially after rain. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.

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

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Nearby Campground

EAGLE CREEK OVERLOOK GRP SITE

10.8 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site is set on a forested bluff above the Columbia River, providing an ideal setting for family gatherings and group events. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam, this site features CCC masonry and offers expansive views of the Columbia River and mountains rising from the gorge.Recreation The Eagle Recreation Area, just a short walk or bike ride away, provides visitors with opportu

Book on Recreation.gov