Elowah & Upper McCord Creek Falls | Oregon’s Lesser Known Falls in the Columbia River Gorge
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Tucked away in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, just 40 minutes from Portland, Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Creek Falls offer a breathtaking and rewarding hiking experience. These two waterfalls, connected by a relatively short but stunning trail, showcase towering basalt cliffs, panoramic views of the Columbia River, and an exhilarating section of the trail carved into the mountainside.
If you’re looking for a unique hike with diverse scenery, thrilling cliffside paths, and the beauty of two incredible waterfalls, this trail should be at the top of your list.
Getting to the Trailhead
The Elowah & Upper McCord Creek Falls trailhead is located just off Interstate 84, near Bridal Veil and Cascade Locks. The parking lot is modest, with space for around 10 cars, and if it’s full, you can park along the road nearby. Keep in mind that there are no bathrooms or amenities, so be sure to plan accordingly before starting your hike.
The Columbia River Gorge is a popular hiking area, so visiting early in the morning or on a weekday can help you avoid crowds and fully enjoy the peaceful beauty of the trail.
Beginning the Hike
As you begin the hike, you’ll pass a small water tower on your right, which supplies nearby residences. Continue left on the main trail, following the signs toward the waterfalls. A short distance in, you’ll come across a trail marker for Nesmith Point, stay to the left toward the waterfalls.
This part of the forest was heavily affected by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, which left charred tree trunks and an altered landscape. Although the undergrowth has made an impressive comeback, many of the trees remain scorched, serving as a reminder of the fire’s impact on the region.
If you visit in winter, the lack of leaves on the trees makes the landscape feel even more barren, but the cold, crisp air adds a refreshing quality to the hike. Despite the fire’s effect, this area still holds remarkable beauty, and the hike is well worth the journey.
Ascending Toward the Falls
The trail begins relatively flat but soon starts to climb, offering glimpses of the Columbia River and the surrounding landscape as you gain elevation.
At the top of this first climb, you’ll reach a fork in the trail, marked by a handwritten sign directing you to Elowah Falls (left) and Upper McCord Creek Falls (right). I recommend visiting Elowah Falls first, so that your final stretch on the way back from Upper McCord Creek Falls is all downhill.
Hiking to Elowah Falls
Heading left toward Elowah Falls, the trail winds along the mountainside, passing massive basalt rock slides. If you look up, you’ll spot the trail section carved into the mountainside, which leads to Upper McCord Creek Falls.
Soon, you’ll catch your first distant glimpse of Elowah Falls, and from here, the trail begins to descend through a series of switchbacks toward the base of the falls.
The trail is generally well-maintained, but in wetter seasons, some sections turn muddy or even become small seasonal streams. Parts of the path can also erode slightly down the hillside, so be cautious with your footing, and keep an eye on kids or pets. Waterproof hiking shoes are highly recommended, especially in winter and spring.
Experiencing the Power of Elowah Falls
As you approach the final bend, the cool mist of the waterfall fills the air, letting you feel its presence before you even see it.
Then, the view fully opens up, revealing Elowah Falls plunging 213 feet down a sheer rock face into a pool below. The surrounding basalt cliffs, dripping with moisture, create an almost otherworldly atmosphere, while the fallen boulders at the base of the falls add to the wild, untamed beauty of the scene.
Prepare to get soaked—Elowah Falls produces a lot of mist, especially in wetter seasons. Waterproof clothing and shoes are a good idea, no matter what time of year you visit.
If you want an even closer look, you can carefully explore the boulders at the base of the falls, but be extra cautious, as they can be very slippery. You’ll also see the remains of a footbridge that once crossed the creek that has been destroyed in a rockslide.
For those looking for great photography spots, take a steep side trail down, just back down the main trail, to the lower creek area, where you’ll find beautiful vantage points of the waterfall and creek flowing below.
After soaking in the beauty of Elowah Falls, it’s time to head back to the trail junction and make the climb to Upper McCord Creek Falls.
Hiking to Upper McCord Creek Falls
The trail to Upper McCord Creek Falls is more challenging, with multiple switchbacks and steady uphill climbs.
As you ascend, you’ll reach one of the most thrilling sections of the hike—a portion of the trail carved directly into the mountainside.
This section offers incredible, unobstructed views of the Columbia River Gorge and is one of the most dramatic and scenic moments of the hike. There are guardrails in place for safety, but the path is still narrow and exposed, making for an exhilarating experience.
During wetter months, water trickles down from the cliffs above, creating small waterfalls and streams flowing across the trail. Waterproof shoes are essential to keep your feet dry as you make your way through this rugged, high-elevation section.
Soon, the trail curves around the mountain, and you’ll arrive at Upper McCord Creek Falls.
Taking in the Beauty of Upper McCord Creek Falls
While smaller than Elowah Falls, Upper McCord Creek Falls is stunning in its own right.
This 64-foot waterfall cascades over mossy basalt columns, splitting into two or three streams, depending on the season. The lush greenery surrounding the falls gives it a peaceful, picturesque quality, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature.
The viewing area here is open, allowing you to get close to the falls without the intense mist you experience at Elowah.
After taking some time to enjoy Upper McCord Creek Falls, the return hike is much easier, as it’s almost entirely downhill. This gives you more opportunities to take in the breathtaking views of the gorge on your way back.
Final Thoughts
Elowah & Upper McCord Creek Falls offer one of the most rewarding hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. With stunning waterfalls, thrilling cliffside sections, and incredible river views, this trail delivers everything you could want from an Oregon hiking adventure.
While they may not be as famous as some of the more well-known falls in the area, these two waterfalls are just as beautiful and well worth exploring.
If you’re looking for a hike that combines scenic viewpoints, an exciting trail experience, and two breathtaking waterfalls, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Happy exploring!
