Upper McCord Creek Falls
Oregon · 64-foot drop · Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness · Last verified 2026-05-23
Upper McCord Creek Falls is a 64-foot twin cascade on McCord Creek in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, reached via a 2.6-mile out-and-back from the Yeon trailhead in the Columbia River Gorge. The cliffside trail with guardrails is the real story — vertigo views over the Columbia and ferns growing out of the basalt. Pair with Elowah Falls (213 ft) downstream for a 3-mile loop.
The trail
2.6 miles each way, rated moderate with 712 feet of elevation gain. John B. Yeon State Park trailhead off Frontage Rd, accessed from I-84 exit 35 (Ainsworth State Park). Northwest Forest Pass or $5 day-use fee.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper McCord Creek Falls (this page) | — | 64 ft | moderate · 2.6 mi | Y | $5 |
| Elowah Falls | 0 mi | 213 ft | — | Y | Free |
| Moffett Falls | 1 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Upper Wahe Falls | 1 mi | 50 ft | — | Y | Free |
| Wahe Falls | 1 mi | 80 ft | — | Y | Free |
| Wahclella Falls | 2 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~64 ft)
- Glen Ellis Falls64 ft
- Iris Falls64 ft
- Piney Bowl Falls64 ft
- Triple Falls64 ft
- Devil's Canyon Falls63 ft
Same best season in Oregon
- Fairy Falls20 ft
- Abiqua Falls92 ft
- Lower Kentucky Falls117 ft
Questions visitors ask about Upper McCord Creek Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Upper McCord Creek Falls?
Upper McCord Creek Falls is 64 feet (19.5 m) tall. Height is sourced from USFS Columbia Gorge.
Is Upper McCord Creek Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Upper McCord Creek Falls is inside Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Upper McCord Creek Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed (Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness permits leashed dogs in most areas). Always leash and pack out waste.
Can you swim at Upper McCord Creek Falls?
No — swimming is not safe or not allowed at Upper McCord Creek Falls. No safe access to the falls themselves — viewpoint is from a guard-railed cliffside trail well above.
When is the best time to visit Upper McCord Creek Falls?
Peak flow is typically March, April, May, October, November. Season-wise: spring, fall. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Upper McCord Creek Falls?
Yes — entry costs around $5. Most Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness entrances accept the America the Beautiful annual pass.
How far is Upper McCord Creek Falls from a major city?
Upper McCord Creek Falls is 4 miles from Cascade Locks (about 7 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in Oregon
Where it is
45.6114, -121.9942
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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