LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Ninemile Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Drive Up
About Ninemile Falls
Ninemile Falls tumbles along the Spokane River, its name recalling the roughly nine-mile distance to Spokane. The waterfall sits within the Colville Reservation (land owner: DESG; designation: TRIB) and is managed by tribal authorities (Manager: TRIB). The falls are associated with a small dam complex on the river, so flows and river conditions can change with water-management operations — a dramatic backdrop for photography and river views when conditions allow. Visitors looking for a short outing will find a moderate hiking route that reaches viewpoints overlooking the river and falls.
The Setting
Ninemile Falls sits at 1,342 feet within Colville Reservation, in the foothills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Ninemile Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Route type: out-and-back. Distance: approximately 2.4 miles. Difficulty: moderate. Formal surface, grade and trail class are not specified in the provided data; the route leads to river and falls viewpoints and may include uneven, natural terrain. This route lies on the Colville Reservation (managed by TRIB), so follow posted signs and local access rules; exercise caution near the dam and river edges.
What to Expect
Expect a scenic view of the Spokane River and the waterfall, which is part of a dam system. The area is peaceful and offers opportunities for photography and relaxation. Water flow may vary depending on dam operations.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ninemile Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ninemile Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically higher during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious near the riverbanks, as water levels and currents can change due to dam operations. Stay on designated viewing areas and avoid venturing too close to the water.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Sanpoil River, 13.7 miles away, not on Ninemile Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
26 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 20 years of record
2.16 ft
Water depth at gauge
44°F
Very coldExpect 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 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 SANPOIL RIVER ABOVE JACK CREEK AT KELLER, WA (22 km away).
Today
Roaring
28 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
26 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
25 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
27 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
27 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
28 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
28 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early June, 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 Twin Lakes hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Ninemile Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Ninemile Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 26 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 Washington.
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 measures about 201 feet of descent through Ninemile Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,341 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 225 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 46 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,341 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 201 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Ninemile Falls is located approximately 9 miles northwest of Spokane, Washington. It can be accessed via N Nine Mile Road, and the area is well-marked for visitors.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the falls, but specific details about the parking lot size or fees are not confirmed.
Elevation
1,342 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.019852° N, -118.410390° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or early summer for higher water flow. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views. Be cautious near the riverbanks, as water levels and currents can change unexpectedly.
Where to Stay
Unique Country Farmhouse Near Lake Roosevelt
Seven Bays Vacation Rental on Lake Roosevelt!
Rustic 1 bd 1 ba Cabin at Waitts Lake Resort
Gorgeous Triplex Unit With Spectacular Lake Views!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
HUNTERS GROUP SITE
8.6 miles away · 3 sites
Overview Hunters Group Site sits along the northern shoreline of Lake Roosevelt. The facility is popular among groups of hunters and fishermen, but is also comfortable for families and other groups of up to 25 people. Although there is no view of the lake directly from the campground, a boat launch and beach are located within the facility. Lake Roosevelt is a 130-mile lake on the Columbia River created by the Grand Coulee Dam. Named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it is part of the Lake R
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Riverside State Park and the Bowl and Pitcher area, which offer additional outdoor activities and scenic views.
Wildlife
The area around the Spokane River may feature birds, deer, and other local wildlife. Keep an eye out for eagles and osprey.
Cities near Ninemile Falls
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