Are there fees or permits required for Spirit Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Spirit Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Spirit Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Spirit Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,020 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Spirit Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Spirit Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Spirit Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Spirit Falls, see below

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (4)

jd_hiker CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Jaykhuang CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Ian Sane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Rolling Stone2009 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Spirit Falls

Spirit Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge area of Oregon, known for its vibrant turquoise waters and dramatic drop. It is a popular destination for kayakers and photographers due to its unique beauty and challenging rapids.

The Setting

Spirit Falls sits at 1,955 feet within Umpqua National Forest, fed by the Mf Willamette River, in the hills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Pinard Falls (105 ft) lies 2.0 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Upper Trestle Creek Falls (60 ft, 5.5 mi) and Lower Trestle Creek Falls (60 ft, 5.8 mi).

Pinard Falls Upper Trestle Creek Falls Lower Trestle Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Spirit Falls (#1413), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

SPIRIT FALLS #1413

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.20 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Spirit Falls is relatively short but steep, with uneven terrain and some rocky sections. It winds through a forested area before descending to the falls. Proper footwear is recommended due to the steep and potentially slippery conditions.

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 Spirit Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Spirit Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Spirit Falls is during spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the water flow is typically at its most impressive. Summer is also popular, but the trail may be busier.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Umpqua National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The trail can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear. The area around the falls can be dangerous due to strong currents and slippery rocks. Stay on designated trails and avoid getting too close to the edge.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

1,020 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

915 1.3k 2.6k 3.4k

Based on 103 years of record

2.26 ft

Water depth at gauge

60°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 60 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

MF WILLAMETTE RIVER BLW N FORK, NR OAKRIDGE, OR.

USGS 14148000

6.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 924 sq mi

Altitude: 935 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MF WILLAMETTE RIVER BLW N FORK, NR OAKRIDGE, OR. (10 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

1020 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

1102 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

1096 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

1049 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

1036 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

1003 cfs

4/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

900 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

910 cfs

3/10

Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to late May, 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 Westfir hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Spirit Falls is located near the Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington, close to the Oregon border. Access typically involves driving to a trailhead near Cook, Washington, and hiking a short but steep trail to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is limited and located near the trailhead. Visitors should arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,955 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.730438° N, -122.641550° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Be cautious on the trail, especially during wet conditions, as it can be slippery. Respect the natural environment and pack out all trash.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 1.5 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

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

RUJADA DAY USE PICNIC AREA

5.3 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

Overview Rujada Day Use Picnic Area is set along the banks of Layng Creek, with a large, open grassy area amidst a scattering of Douglas fir. Rujada is a perfect setting for family reunions, parties or group getaways.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking and biking in summer and early fall. The large grassy field is perfect for group activities or sports, and a playground and horseshoe pit are also provided on-site. Hikers will enjoy a moderately challenging hike on Swordfer

Book on Recreation.gov