Pets allowed
Elevation Gain
Trail type
2.00 mi (3.22 km)

The often overlooked Elowah Falls rush just off of the Historic Columbia River Highway.  Tucked away in a giant amphitheater of basalt, Elowah Falls drops cascading water an impressive 280 feet from McCord Creek.  As you make your way through the forest, be sure to avoid the ubiquitous poison oak. Also note that trail intersection signs were missing the directional indications for Elowah Falls, so kind hikers have added the appropriate information. The hike to Upper Elowah Falls is impressive, with a single-track trail that is cut high into the basalt cliff.  Not only does this trail provide excellent views of Hamilton Mountain and Table Mountain across the Columbia River, it is also home to a plethora of unique flora.  Look for the white shooting star, poison delphinium, mountainbells, broadleaf stonecrop, and the endemic flower, Barrett’s penstemon.  This is a hike you’ll be sure to remember!

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)




Parking Pass

Not Required


Two waterfalls. Trail along a cliff's edge. Endemic wildflower species.



Trailhead Elevation

130.00 ft (39.62 m)

Net Elevation Gain

600.00 ft (182.88 m)


Big vistas
Old-growth forest


Field Guide + Map

Nearby Lodging + Camping


Beautiful spot to visit in fall... the waterfall is at low flow, which makes for a graceful ribbon falls, the colors along the trail are prettier, and it's often less crowded. The trailhead isn't marked like the other falls along the Gorge, so you kinda have to know where to find it, but it's worth the hunt.
Completed this hike today. As its a Sunday, the trail was extremely crowded and down towards the falls its a pretty narrow switchback so it can make for a pretty slow hike on congested days like today.

Overall it was a good hike and there were even a few crazy people that were swimming at the base of the falls. I also wish the trailhead had a trashcan or bathroom so that we could have thrown away our dog's poop bags rather than carry them home with us in the car...
A beautiful falls, of course. Especially in autumn when the scene is filled with color.
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