tíkem Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
About tíkem Falls
Tíkem Falls is a quiet, scenic waterfall tucked into northeastern Oregon and nestled within the Umatilla National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the site is a favorite for hikers seeking a peaceful break from busier recreation areas—an inviting spot to enjoy forested surroundings and the sound of falling water. Because it sits on National Forest land, the falls often feel remote and less-crowded, making it a good choice for a reflective day hike. The approach to Tíkem Falls is a moderate outing that rewards a modest effort with pleasant forest views.
The Setting
tíkem Falls sits at 3,629 feet within Umatilla National Forest, in the mountains of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
USFS trail surface, grade, and technical class are not published for this specific route, so expect the possibility of variable footing and seasonal changes in conditions. Hikers should come prepared with sturdy footwear, layered clothing, and current information from the Umatilla National Forest ranger district before heading out.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with the sound of cascading water and surrounding forested areas. The waterfall may be seasonal, with flow depending on recent rainfall.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at tíkem Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at tíkem Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Umatilla National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential wildlife encounters. Always stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Grande Ronde River, 10.6 miles away, not on tíkem Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
727 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 82 years of record
4.05 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual 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 GRANDE RONDE RIVER AT TROY, OR (17 km away).
Today
Moderate
727 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Strong
808 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
793 cfs
9/10Sun
Strong
833 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
854 cfs
8/10Tue
Strong
873 cfs
8/10Wed
Strong
868 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late June, peaking in May.
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 Wallowa hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is tíkem Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
tíkem Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 46°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 736 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, 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 99 feet of drop through tíkem Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 3,618 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 98 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 147 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,618 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 99 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The exact location and directions to Tíkem Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local resources or trail guides for accurate directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited parking options and consider carpooling if visiting with a group.
Elevation
3,629 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.902057° N, -117.660871° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for potentially uneven terrain. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails may become slippery after rain.
Where to Stay
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
FRY MEADOWS GUARD STATION
11.5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Fry Meadows Guard Station offers the peaceful solitude of a remote nature-lover's paradise just south of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and west of the Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic River. The surrounding area is steeped with native history and culture as it was once home to the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Walla Walla and Cayuse Indians. This site was originally established as a ranger station before 1908, part of the former Wenaha National Forest. The existing cabin was constructed in 1935 by t
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions are not well-documented, but the surrounding area may offer additional hiking trails and natural features.
Wildlife
The area may be home to typical Oregon wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of potential encounters with wildlife.
Cities near tíkem Falls
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