Split Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
3D terrainBefore you go
No maintained trail reaches this waterfall. Access requires fording the Salmon River (usually possible only in August and September) and steep off-trail scrambling.
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
About Split Falls
Split Falls is on the Salmon River in a remote canyon of the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness in Mt. Hood National Forest, about a mile downstream of Stein Falls. There is no maintained trail to it. Experienced waterfall hunters approach from the Linney Creek Trailhead, and Oregon Hikers notes the falls can be heard from a high meadow above the canyon.
The Setting
Split Falls sits at 2,326 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, in the hills of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
USFS Trail
LINNEY CREEK #499
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.47 miTrail Description
There is no official trail to Split Falls. The approach uses the Linney Creek Trail #499 to the Salmon River, which requires a ford that Oregon Hikers says is usually possible only in August and September, followed by off-trail travel; a 1983 party reported descending a 20-foot cliff with an old rope to reach the falls.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil setting with the sound of cascading water and lush greenery. The waterfall's split flow creates a unique visual feature, especially during higher water levels in spring and early summer.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Split Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Split Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late summer, when the Salmon River is usually low enough to ford.
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
The Salmon River ford is dangerous at high water, and the descent into the canyon is on steep, loose ground with no trail. Oregon Hikers calls a scramble trail to one viewpoint in this canyon dangerous.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Oak Grove Fork, 8.5 miles away, not on Split Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
107 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 70 years of record
1.80 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 OAK GROVE FORK NEAR GOVERNMENT CAMP, OR (14 km away).
Today
Strong
107 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Strong
99 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
97 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
97 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
102 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
98 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
99 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — strong flow, areas of fog (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid October to mid November, peaking in November.
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 Rhododendron hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Split Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Split Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 40°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 109 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 Oregon.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain Around Split Falls
High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.
The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The Linney Creek Trailhead is reached from Highway 26 via Skyline Road (FR 42), FR 4290, FR 58 and gravel FR 5800-240. Oregon Hikers warns that the last 4.7 miles of FR 5800-240 are narrow and brushy with few pullouts and need a vehicle with good clearance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the Linney Creek Trailhead.
Elevation
2,326 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.228671° N, -121.874377° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy shoes, as the trail may be uneven. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make the trail slippery. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience.
Where to Stay
Mount Hood Village
Mt Air Motel
Wallace Cottage - Meredith Lodging
THE CLYDE - Your Cozy & Luxurious Mt Hood Retreat
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
CAMP CREEK
5.3 miles away · 24 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Stein Falls is about a mile upstream on the Salmon River, also reached only off trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious and respectful of the natural environment.
Cities near Split Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
Aerial
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