Sheep Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Sheep Creek Falls
Nestled within the shaded reaches of Gifford Pinchot National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Sheep Creek Falls is a lovely, easy-to-reach cascade that rewards a short walk with a peaceful woodland setting and a pleasing view of falling water. The approach threads through mature forest and fern-draped slopes, making it a favorite quick outing for families, photographers, and anyone looking for a brief nature escape without a long slog. The hike to the falls is short and accessible—about 1.5 miles round-trip with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain—and is typically rated easy, so it’s suitable for most visitors. If you’re planning to camp before or after your visit, the nearest developed option is North Gorge Campground, approximately 23.49 km away, but the trail itself makes for a very doable day trip from nearby trailheads and forest roads.
The Setting
Sheep Creek Falls sits at 1,463 feet along the Columbia River, in the foothills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail length: 1.5 miles round-trip; elevation gain: ~200 feet; difficulty: easy; trail type: out-and-back. The route follows Sheep Creek through forested terrain to a dedicated viewing area at the falls. The grade is generally gentle over the short distance, making the trail suitable for most hikers looking for a brief, scenic outing within Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
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 Sheep Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sheep Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter access may be limited.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain, and visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall due to wet rocks and strong currents. Always stay on marked trails.
Current Water Conditions
75,700 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 88 years of record
100.05 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
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 COLUMBIA RIVER AT INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY (13 km away).
Today
Strong
86298 cfs
7/10Tomorrow
Moderate
80208 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
74961 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
74539 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
80046 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
80054 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
72579 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early August, peaking in June.
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 Northport 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 276 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,457 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 139 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 239 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,457 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 276 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sheep Creek Falls can be accessed via Forest Road 23 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The trailhead is located near the Sheep Creek Campground, and signage is typically available to guide visitors.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,463 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.947792° N, -117.794743° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking.
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This easy 1.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
The Josie Hotel, Autograph Collection
Sparkling NEW Rossland Midtown Studio Apartment
The Flying Steamshovel Inn
Lakeview Motel
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
North Gorge Campground
14.6 miles away · 11 sites
Overview North Gorge is a small, but popular, campground at the northeast edge of the park. A few sites are large enough for an RV, but most are built for tent camping. The campground is set in a grove of pines on the edge of the lake. A boat launch and dock are on the north or right side of the main loop. In the summer, North Gorge is busy on the weekends. Recreation The small boat launch provides access to the lake. Boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing are activities that can easily take
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Sheep Creek Campground and other trails within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and practice proper food storage.
Cities near Sheep Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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