Wilson Falls
Oregon • 122 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Wilson Falls
Wilson Falls is a narrow, 122-foot horsetail waterfall on a tiny unnamed stream beside the Wilson River Trail in the Tillamook State Forest, about halfway between the Footbridge Trailhead and Jones Creek. Because its basin is so small, it flows mainly in winter or after long heavy rain and is often dry from about May to November. Trees, logs and salmonberry hide much of the drop, so full views are rare.
The Setting
Wilson Falls sits at 469 feet within Forest Development Fund (Board Of Forestry), fed by the Wilson River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon. At 122 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 122 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the Footbridge Trailhead on Highway 6, cross the footbridge over the Wilson River, turn right on the Wilson River Trail, and follow it about 1.25 miles to where the trail crosses the creek just below the falls, about 2.5 miles round trip. The creek crossing can wet your feet in high water.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 122 feet. 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 Wilson Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on the Wilson River Trail on leash, per Hiking Project; the Oregon Department of Forestry posts no trail-specific rule.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Wilson Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
November through April, especially after several days of heavy rain. The falls are often dry from May to November.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and prepare for changing weather conditions. Always stay on marked trails.
Current Water Conditions
929 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 95 years of record
5.09 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average 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 WILSON RIVER NEAR TILLAMOOK, OR (16 km away).
Today
Roaring
1003 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
970 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
1084 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
1124 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
1361 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
1286 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
1437 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, cloudy (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid November to late January, 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 Fairview hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Wilson Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Wilson Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°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
- 620 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 bare-earth surface loses about 35 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The full 122 feet the falls are listed at is spread over a longer run than this window: along the whole mile-long profile the ground drops about 227 feet. The ground at the falls is roughly 472 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 45 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 292 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 472 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 35 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
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
Drive the Wilson River Highway (Oregon 6) to the Footbridge Trailhead day-use area in the Tillamook State Forest, then hike the Wilson River Trail as described.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Footbridge Trailhead day-use area on Highway 6. Car break-ins have been reported along Highway 6, so leave nothing valuable in sight.
Elevation
469 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.570665° N, -123.570675° W
Land Management
Managed by SLB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Check trail conditions before visiting, especially during the rainy season, as trails may become muddy or slippery.
Where to Stay
Inn at Cannon Beach
The Tillamook Inn
Rockaway oceanview condo,Steps to the beach & Downtown,W&D, WiFi
2 Bed 2 Bath Vacation home in Rockaway Beach
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
Dovre Recreation Site
18.1 miles away · 11 sites
Overview Want to camp? Camping season is generally May-September, with Alder Glen and Elk Bend remaining open through the weekend following General Western Oregon Coast 2nd Season for elk. During months with reduced sunlight, potable water may be turned off. Be prepared to bring your own wash and drinking water. Reserve a site at one of our four campgrounds on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download before you reach t
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Farther along the Wilson River Trail, Lester Creek Falls can be seen across the North Fork of the Wilson near the Diamond Mill OHV area.
Wildlife
The area may feature common Oregon wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be aware of potential encounters with wildlife.
Cities near Wilson Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Wilson Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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