Is swimming allowed at Moffett Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Moffett Falls.

Live Conditions · 87 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Moffett Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Moffett Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Moffett Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Moffett Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $5.00. A permit is also required. A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at the trailhead.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

A. F. Litt CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

A. F. Litt CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

A. F. Litt CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Moffett Falls

Moffett Falls (also listed as Wahe Falls or Moffett Creek Falls) is an eye-catching 80-foot cascade tucked into the Columbia River Gorge in Multnomah County, Oregon. The waterfall is the last of several drops along Moffett Creek and sits near the mouth of the creek within the John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor. Wikipedia notes the feature under the names Wahe Falls/Moffett Creek Falls and records its discovery by Lee Zimmerman and David Hammond in the winter of 2026; the setting is classic Gorge country — mossy cliffs, dense Northwest forest, and the roar of falling water. The waterfall and its access sit on National Forest System land managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Mt. Hood National Forest, and many hikers reach it via the USFS-listed WAHCLELLA FALLS Trail (Trail #436). If you plan to make a day of it, the Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site is the nearest campground at roughly 4.05 km away, making this a convenient stop for groups and overnight trips. The area invites photographers and hikers alike with short, scenic approaches and the chance to visit several creek-side drops on the same outing.

The Setting

Moffett Falls sits at 115 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Bull Run River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Elowah Falls (213 ft) lies 1.2 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Wahclella Falls (65 ft, 1.1 mi).

Elowah Falls Wahclella Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Wahclella Falls (#436), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain with grades of 5-8%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

WAHCLELLA FALLS #436

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

5-8%

USFS Segment

0.37 mi

Trail Description

Access to Moffett Falls is commonly reached from the route shown in USFS records as WAHCLELLA FALLS, Trail #436. The Forest Service classifies this trail segment as Class 4 with a native-material surface and a typical grade of 5–8%; USFS GIS maps a segment length of 0.37 miles for Trail #436. The popular hiked route to the falls is an out-and-back of about 2.4 miles total with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. Expect natural tread (roots and rocks), some steep stretches in keeping with the stated grade, and short sections where careful footing is advised.

What to Expect

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 Moffett Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at the trailhead.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Moffett Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

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

Be cautious on the trail, as it can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on designated paths to avoid damaging the environment and for your safety. Watch for falling rocks in certain areas.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

87 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

193 263 541 764

Based on 59 years of record

2.89 ft

Water depth at gauge

54°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

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 a bracing 54 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

25 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.

BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR

USGS 14138850

8.8 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 48 sq mi

Altitude: 1,080 ft

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near North Bonneville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Moffett Falls is accessible via the Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop trail in the Columbia River Gorge. The trailhead can be accessed from the Wahkeena Falls parking area, located off the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Wahkeena Falls parking area, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

115 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.622062° N, -121.973971° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be steep and slippery in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail can be muddy or icy depending on the season.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

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

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

EAGLE CREEK OVERLOOK GRP SITE

2.5 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