Warren Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Warren Creek Falls
Warren Creek Falls sits on the north skirt of the Columbia River Gorge in Hood River County, Oregon, within Starvation Creek State Park. During construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway in the 1930s the creek was rerouted into a diversion, so the original waterfall now runs only during heavy rain or spring snowmelt. That seasonal burst reveals both the area's dramatic basalt-walled canyon and a piece of transportation-era history—Warren Creek is one of several cascades that made this stretch of the gorge a favorite of early highway builders and travelers. The site lies inside the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, managed by the U.S. Forest Service (land owner: DESG; designation: NSBV). Warren Creek Falls is part of a tight cluster of waterfalls—Cabin Creek Falls, Lancaster Falls and Starvation Creek Falls are all within roughly 2 miles (3 km)—so it pairs well with a short loop or a series of stops along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail for a full cascade-hopping day.
The Setting
Warren Creek Falls sits at 190 feet within Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Wah Gwin Gwin Falls (207 ft) lies 7.4 miles to the east. Also nearby: Metlako Falls (101 ft, 10.3 mi) and Punchbowl Falls (35 ft, 6.6 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail begins at the Starvation Creek Rest Area and follows a section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. This out-and-back is about 2.0 miles round-trip with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate. The path is well-maintained but includes some rocky and uneven sections; hikers can expect forested canyon views and straightforward access to nearby falls such as Starvation Creek Falls.
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 Warren Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Warren Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Warren Creek Falls is during the spring or after heavy rainfall in the fall or winter, when the waterfall is most likely to be flowing.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 47°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious of slippery rocks and uneven surfaces, especially after rain. The trail may be muddy during wet conditions. Always stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment or getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Hood River, 7.7 miles away, not on Warren Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
477 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 64 years of record
3.23 ft
Water depth at gauge
47°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 47 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge HOOD RIVER AT TUCKER BRIDGE, NEAR HOOD RIVER, OR (12 km away).
Today
Roaring
480 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
423 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
424 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
478 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
488 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
481 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
493 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early May, 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 Carson hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Warren Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing
Warren Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 48°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 317 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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 294 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 206 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 149 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 60 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 206 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 294 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Warren Creek Falls is located near Starvation Creek State Park, accessible via Interstate 84. Visitors can park at the Starvation Creek Rest Area and follow nearby trails to reach the waterfall.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Starvation Creek Rest Area, which is free but can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Elevation
190 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.686273° N, -121.702064° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check weather conditions before visiting, as the waterfall is seasonal and may not be flowing during dry periods. Wear sturdy hiking shoes due to uneven terrain, and arrive early to secure parking at the rest area.
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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
Westcliff Lodge
Carson Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Mt Adams View, walk to downtown HR
Skamania Lodge
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
Moss Creek campground
8.3 miles away · 17 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Starvation Creek Falls, Cabin Creek Falls, and the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter native plants and wildflowers, especially in the spring.
Cities near Warren Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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