Is swimming allowed at Moffett Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Moffett Falls.

Live Conditions · 42 ft³/s · About average

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 Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

4.8 miles

Trail Type

Loop

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 4.8-mile loop trail over natural surface. 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

Water temperature is currently 50°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

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 2 hours ago Strong

42 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

38 42 125 170

Based on 59 years of record

2.42 ft

Water depth at gauge

50°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 50 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

30 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 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 48 sq mi

Altitude: 1,080 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR (14 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

42 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

42 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Strong

46 cfs

10/10

Mon

Strong

39 cfs

10/10

Tue

Roaring

40 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

53 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

46 cfs

9/10

Fri

Strong

42 cfs

10/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, 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 North Bonneville 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.

1-meter lidar shows Moffett Falls dropping about 217 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 115 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 239 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 138 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 Moffett Falls near North Bonneville, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Moffett Falls near North Bonneville, Oregon, showing about 217 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: 115 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 217 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

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.

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

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