Switchback Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Switchback Falls
Switchback Falls is a tucked-away cascade in Oregon managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Mt. Hood National Forest. The falls live up to their name — the approach follows a series of switchbacks through lush forest, rewarding hikers with a peaceful, less-crowded setting that highlights the quiet beauty of the national forest. Access is recorded via the USFS Boy Scout Ridge Cutoff (Trail #SNO-677), and the overall outing is a moderate, out-and-back route of about 2.0 miles with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain. The short connector trail and surrounding timbered slopes make for a refreshing hike that’s easy to pair with other nearby routes in Mt. Hood National Forest.
The Setting
Switchback Falls sits at 4,478 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Bull Run River, in the mountains of Oregon.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Sahale Falls (140 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the east. Also nearby: Wallalute Falls (124 ft, 6.7 mi) and Tamanawas Falls (100 ft, 7.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Boy Scout Ridge Cutoff (#SNO-677), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over snow. Expect 500 feet of elevation gain with grades of 0-5%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
BOY SCOUT RIDGE CUTOFF #SNO-677
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.06 miTrail Description
Trail: Out-and-back, 2.0 miles round trip with ~500 ft elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. USFS segment: Boy Scout Ridge Cutoff (Trail #SNO-677) — a Class 2 connector listed at 0.06 GIS miles, surfaced as SNOW with a typical grade of 0–5%. Expect a mostly gentle pitch with a handful of switchbacks through shaded forest; footing on the short cutoff can be snow-covered depending on season, so check conditions before you go.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through a forested area, culminating in a view of the waterfall. The falls may vary in flow depending on the season, with spring and early summer offering the most impressive water levels.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Switchback Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Switchback 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 during these seasons.
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.
The trail may become slippery after rain, and there may be loose rocks or roots along the path. Visitors should stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
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 140 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,470 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 83 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 109 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,470 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 140 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Switchback Falls is located in Oregon, but specific directions to the trailhead are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking resources or maps for the most accurate information.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but it may be limited near the trailhead. Visitors should plan to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.
Elevation
4,478 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.314171° N, -121.660642° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes due to uneven terrain. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Check weather conditions before heading out, as the trail may become slippery after rain.
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With 2.0 miles and 500 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
Best Western Mt. Hood Inn
Mount Hood Village
Mt Air Motel
Serene Wooded Retreat with Free WiFi Large Deck & Spacious Loft - Skiing Nearby
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
7.1 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
Other nearby waterfalls and hiking trails in Oregon may be worth exploring, depending on the location of Switchback Falls.
Wildlife
The area may feature common Pacific Northwest wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of potential encounters with bears or cougars.
Cities near Switchback Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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