Is swimming allowed at Tanner Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Tanner Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 35 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Tanner Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Tanner Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Tanner Creek Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

takenji1989 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

A. F. Litt CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

nwpuzzlr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

danenmolly CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Tanner Creek Falls

Tucked into the western slope of the Columbia River Gorge and managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of Mt. Hood National Forest, Tanner Creek Falls is a peaceful, green-forested cascade that offers a quieter alternative to the busier Gorge icons. The falls sit on Tanner Creek, a tributary of the Columbia River; another notable cascade on that drainage is Wahclella Falls farther downstream. Towering trees, moss-covered rocks and smaller cascades along the creek create a classic Pacific Northwest setting ideal for a short, restorative outing.

The Setting

Tanner Creek Falls sits at 440 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Bull Run River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Elowah Falls (213 ft) lies 2.1 miles to the west. Also nearby: Wahclella Falls (65 ft, 0.0 mi) and Punch Bowl Falls (35 ft, 2.7 mi).

Elowah Falls Wahclella Falls Punch Bowl Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Tanner Butte (#401), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 10-12%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

TANNER BUTTE #401

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

10-12%

USFS Segment

1.39 mi

Trail Description

The hike uses USFS Trail TANNER BUTTE (Trail #401). The out-and-back route is commonly reported as about 2.0 miles round-trip with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain and an easy difficulty rating. Per USFS data the tread is native material, Class 2, with typical grades of 10–12% and a GIS-measured trail length of about 1.39 miles (one-way mapping can vary). The path follows Tanner Creek through lush forest—relatively flat in places with a few gentle to moderately steep pitches—offering creek views, mossy boulders and smaller cascades. The Eagle Creek Overlook group campground is nearby (about 3.15 km), making this a convenient day hike or short camping-access walk.

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 Tanner Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Tanner Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions.

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 trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked paths to avoid erosion and potential hazards. Watch for falling rocks near the waterfall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

35 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

38 43 117 411

Based on 59 years of record

2.31 ft

Water depth at gauge

52°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

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 a bracing 52 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

30 µS/cm

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.

BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR

USGS 14138850

8.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 48 sq mi

Altitude: 1,080 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR (14 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

35 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

35 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

34 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

33 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

32 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

32 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

34 cfs

3/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

37 cfs

5/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid April, 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 North Bonneville 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 447 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 302 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 184 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 123 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Tanner Creek Falls near North Bonneville, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Tanner Creek Falls near North Bonneville, Oregon, showing about 447 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 302 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 447 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Tanner Creek Falls is accessed via the Wahclella Falls Trailhead, located off Interstate 84 near Exit 40. From the parking area, visitors follow the Wahclella Falls Trail, which branches off to Tanner Creek.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Wahclella Falls Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

440 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.617715° N, -121.951273° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 2.0 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

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

EAGLE CREEK OVERLOOK GRP SITE

2 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site is set on a forested bluff above the Columbia River, providing an ideal setting for family gatherings and group events. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam, this site features CCC masonry and offers expansive views of the Columbia River and mountains rising from the gorge.Recreation The Eagle Recreation Area, just a short walk or bike ride away, provides visitors with opportu

Book on Recreation.gov