Spray Falls waterfall
Nearby gauge (Sanpoil River) · 26 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Spray Falls

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

Colville Reservation TRIBL · DESG
Photo Credits (5)
1.
StrangeCharmDesign CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr
2.
3.
Sean Munson CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr
4.
5.

About Spray Falls

Spray Falls is a scenic cascade tucked into the landscape of Washington’s Colville Reservation. The falls offer a peaceful spot for photographers and day hikers, framed by forested slopes and the quiet character of tribal lands. The site sits on land owned by DESG and is managed as tribal land (designation: TRIBL) by the Colville Reservation’s managing authorities (Manager: TRIB), so visitors should approach the area with respect for local rules and customs. Access to the falls is a moderate, relatively short outing that rewards hikers with close-up views of flowing water and a tranquil natural setting. Because the falls are located on reservation land, check with Colville Reservation contacts before visiting if you need the most current access information or guidance on seasonal conditions.

The Setting

Spray Falls sits at 1,555 feet within Colville Reservation, in the hills of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Multnomah Falls (80 ft) lies 0.7 miles to the southwest.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Official surface, grade, and trail class are not documented in the available records; hikers should expect a typical natural tread and moderate grades over the course. Pack sturdy footwear, water, and a map, and confirm access details with Colville Reservation management prior to your trip.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a scenic waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may feature lush vegetation and opportunities for photography. However, specific details about the trail and surrounding environment are not well-documented.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Spray Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Spray Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are typically the best times to visit Spray Falls, as water flow is often more robust during these seasons. Fall may also offer pleasant conditions, while winter access could be limited due to snow or icy conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and prepare for changing weather conditions. Always stay on marked trails if available.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Sanpoil River, 14.9 miles away, not on Spray 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 cold

Expect 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.

USGS 12434590
14.9 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 900 sq mi
Altitude: 1,400 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SANPOIL RIVER ABOVE JACK CREEK AT KELLER, WA (24 km away).

Moderate confidence
Roaring right now
26 cfs
→ Holding steady
1009995100100100100TodayTomorrowThuFriSatSunMon

Today

Roaring

28 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

26 cfs

8/10

Thu

Roaring

25 cfs

8/10

Fri

Roaring

27 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

27 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

28 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

28 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).

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 Nespelem Community hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Spray Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Spray Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°F to 39°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

Location & Access

Getting There

Spray Falls is located approximately 2.6 miles from the Nespelem Community and 3.1 miles from Nespelem. The coordinates for the waterfall are 48.133, -119.0063. Access may require navigating local roads, and visitors should check for specific directions before traveling.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors are advised to research local parking options or contact nearby park services for guidance.

Elevation

1,555 feet above sea level

Coordinates

48.132990° N, -119.006317° W

Land Management

Colville Reservation TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring appropriate footwear and prepare for potential changes in weather. Research the area beforehand to ensure safe and enjoyable access to the waterfall.

Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

SPRING CANYON GROUP SITE

14.2 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

Overview Spring Canyon Group Site is perfect for large families and groups of boaters or fishermen. Located on the shoreline of Lake Roosevelt, it offers ample opportunity to get out on the water or relax on the beach and take in the gorgeous lakeside scenery. The 130-mile long lake is a feature of the Columbia River created by the nearby Grand Coulee Dam. The lake is named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt and is part of the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, managed by the National Pa

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

The Nespelem Community and Elmer City are nearby and may offer additional points of interest.

Wildlife

The area may feature local wildlife typical of Washington's natural landscapes. Visitors should be prepared for potential encounters with animals.

Cities near Spray Falls

Nearby Waterfalls

0.9 miles away
Washington
Drive Up
Unknown Unknown

Other waterfalls named Spray Falls

2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.

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