Location: Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Near Portland, Oregon
Distance: 1.8 Miles Out and Back Time: 1 Hour
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 260 Feet
Season: Year Round but best from April-November
Foot Traffic: Moderate to Heavy
Date Hiked: Thursday, July 15, 2021
Overview
Looking to visit a gorgeous waterfall but a little strapped on time? Look no further than the majestic 215 foot Elowah Falls. Situated along the popular and busy Columbia River Gorge, Elowah Falls isn’t quite as busy and traveled as some of the other waterfalls in the area. This is somewhat surprising given its short and easy footpath to the base of the falls. The Eagle Creek Fire of 2017 has significantly altered this area, followed by a massive rock slide that has partially closed off the trail since.
Hopefully this area can continue to heal from the fires and rock slide. We look forward to the day that this trail can be fully reopened. In the mean time visitors should make sure to check for trail closures before visiting. Please understand the risks of visiting here and look out for your own safety.
A great addition or departure from doing the Elowah Falls Trail is the Upper McCord Creek Falls. This trail is opened and starts from the same trailhead as the Elowah Falls Trail. After branching off, the trail heads uphill and brings visitors to a serene 64 foot double waterfall. All of this in just over 1 mile (1.25 miles) from the parking area.
Trail Description and Scout’s Story
My wife, our two month old daughter, Scout, and myself were now nearing the 3 week mark of being on the road. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Oregon, specifically the 4 days we had in the Mt. Hood region. The Portland and Columbia River Gorge aren’t an area we typically spend a lot of time covering but we were excited to explore a few new trails on this morning and were pleasantly surprised at the lack of crowds. After making a quick outing to Wahclella Falls we decided to make our way over to the John B. Yeon Trailhead and check out the beautiful Elowah Falls.
Upon arriving at the parking area we noticed a sign notifying hikers that the Elowah Falls hike was closed. After a quick Google search I found out that the trail had been closed due to a huge rockslide at the base of the falls that had washed away the footbridge as well. I decided we would go as far on the trail as my wife and I deemed we safely could.
Starting the Trail
My wife got baby Scout situated in her hiking wrap and we headed uphill on gorge trail #400. At nearly a half mile we reached a junction with the Nesmith Point Trail (trail # 428). The trail heading uphill and to the right is the trail to Upper McCord Creek Falls. We elected to head left, continuing along trail # 400 and towards Elowah Falls. This section of the trail was exceptionally pretty, with fantastic views of the Columbia River Gorge to our left and through the trees. Shortly after this section the trail switch backed and made its final descent towards the falls. The trail was a bit overgrown in this area and it was clear that the typical foot traffic that the trail would typically see had been diminished due to the trail closure.
Reaching Elowah Falls
As we neared the area where the footbridge that overlooks the falls has typically been, we were shocked. The footbridge was completely destroyed and the area in the foreground of the falls was covered by the most insane scree field I could have imagined. Elowah Falls was only partially visible behind the scree field. It was sad to see the damage that the rock slide had done here, especially since the trail was still trying to recover from the devastating Eagle Creek Fires from 2017.
We sat in the distance and surveyed the area for about ten minutes before I decided I felt safe enough to climb over the scree field and get a little closer to the base of the falls. We decided that I would go check out the falls first and my wife stayed with Scout and then we would switch places. I felt very comfortable and safe but I wasn’t willing to risk putting a 2 month old baby in an unnecessary situation.
As I made my way towards the base of the falls, I couldn’t believe how much scrambling was involved and exactly how large the scree field was. It was truly impressive and undoubtedly changed the landscape of this area for some time.
After a short scramble, I reached the base of the falls and was mesmerized at how beautiful Elowah Falls was.
I spent about ten minutes here, electing not to get too close to the base of the falls. The scene was so peaceful as I gazed in awe at the basalt rock covered with moss and lichen residing behind the wind blown falls. I briefly returned to my wife and allowed her the opportunity to scramble up and see the falls as well.
Summary of the Elowah Falls Hike
We were so happy to have been able to visit this spectacular trail and having it entirely to ourselves really enhanced our experience and connection to this area. This is a stunning trail, made that much more impressive by the fact that it is less than a mile in length each way. While the landscape here has been extravagantly altered due to the rock slide and the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, the area is still staggeringly beautiful. Although trail # 400 has been reopened, the trail to the base of the falls has remained closed. Please check trail closures before visiting here and be aware of the dangers of visiting.
Getting to Elowah Falls
62100 NE Frontage Rd, Cascade Locks, OR 97014
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- No, there are no fees to park at the Elowah Falls trailhead or to hike the trail.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- Yes, there is a vault toilet in the parking lot, if I recall correctly.
Are dogs allowed on the Elowah Falls Trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed on the Elowah Falls Trail but must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers, and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
