Sahale Falls
Oregon • 140 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Sahale Falls
Sahale Falls plunges about 140 feet along the East Fork of the Hood River, tucked inside Mt. Hood National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls pour through a wooded canyon in a series of tiers that make for striking photo opportunities and pleasant listening as you approach. The easiest access is a moderate 2.5-mile out-and-back hike with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain — a favorite short hike for locals and visitors who want a relatively quick waterfall outing. Access to the falls is served in part by the USFS Elk Meadows Trail (Trail #645), and much of the setting is dense forest along the river corridor. Plan for a moderate hike on a well-defined path with some steeper, shorter sections; the nearest campground, Sherwood Campground, lies just over 10 km away, so bring what you need for a day trip.
The Setting
Sahale Falls sits at 4,573 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Bull Run River, in the mountains of Oregon. At 140 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 140 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Wallalute Falls (124 ft) lies 6.4 miles to the north. Also nearby: Tamanawas Falls (100 ft, 6.2 mi) and Umbrella Falls (60 ft, 1.2 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Elk Meadows (#645), a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
ELK MEADOWS #645
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.07 miTrail Description
The route to Sahale Falls is a 2.5-mile out-and-back hike with approximately 300 feet of cumulative elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. U.S. Forest Service records list Elk Meadows Trail (Trail #645) as a designated segment on the approach: a short (0.07‑mile) Class 3 section with a native-material tread and typical grades of 12–20%. Expect native-surface tread on the USFS segment and a well-defined forest path for the remainder of the route, with occasional rocky or uneven footing and some steeper pitches where the grade approaches that 12–20% range.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 140 feet. 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 Sahale Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sahale Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions.
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 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious on slippery rocks near the waterfall. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail can become hazardous during heavy rain or snow. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 15.2 miles away
14 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 33 years of record
0.82 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 lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BULL RUN RIVER AT LOWER FLUME NR BRIGHTWOOD, OR (24 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
15 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
15 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid 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 Government Camp 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 ground through the falls loses about 184 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 140 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,572 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 118 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 65 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,572 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 173 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sahale Falls is located near the Mount Hood area in Oregon. It can be accessed via the Tamanawas Falls Trailhead, which is off Highway 35. The trail to Sahale Falls branches off from the main trail leading to Tamanawas Falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a parking area at the Tamanawas Falls Trailhead, which serves as the starting point for accessing Sahale Falls. Parking may fill up during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
4,573 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.318701° N, -121.640429° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and slippery in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.
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With 2.5 miles and 300 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
Mt Air Motel
Balch Hotel
THE CLYDE - Your Cozy & Luxurious Mt Hood Retreat
Best Western Mt. Hood Inn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
SHERWOOD CAMPGROUND
6.3 miles away · 16 sites
Overview Sherwood campground is an easily accessible location for simple camping, with beautiful landscapes and the Hood River rushing next to it. Close to hiking and recreational locations, Sherwood campground is a prime location for those looking for a centrally located base camp near Mt. Hood, or for those looking for a surprisingly quiet, camping getaway.Recreation The location of Sherwood Campground makes for a great place to set up camp and explore the upper Hood River Valley. Hiking trails
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Nearby Attractions
Tamanawas Falls, Mount Hood National Forest, and the Hood River Valley.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of bears and other larger animals, especially during dawn and dusk.
Cities near Sahale Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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