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A quick and easy out-and-back that pays off with double falls and a view of the Gorge and Mt. Adams.


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Map Key

1.8

Miles

2.9

KM

82%

Runnable

566' 172 m

High

154' 47 m

Low

412' 126 m

Up

412' 126 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Overview

The Upper McCord Creek Falls run from the John B. Yeon Trailhead is a short and easily attainable run to some great views of McCord Creek Falls and a sneak peek of the surrounding area.

For a lower-level view of Elowah Falls, you can make an easy 1-mile out-and-back extension to the base of Elowah Falls - continue straight where the trail splits uphill and south to McCord Creek Falls.

Need to Know

The small parking lot at the trailhead can fill up fast on busy weekend summer days, so either get there early or expect to park along the side of the road.

Description

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
John B Yeon Trailhead: Traveling east on I-84, take Exit #35/Ainsworth. Turn left at the stop sign, then immediately turn right onto the Frontage Rd. Drive east on Frontage Rd for 2.1 miles and turn right into the trailhead parking lot. The lot will be just before the road re-enters the highway.

Traveling west on I-84, take Exit #37/Warrendale. Head west on Warrendale Road for about 1/4 mile to a stop sign. Turn left, go under the freeway and turn left again onto Frontage Rd. Drive 1/4 mile east to the trailhead parking lot just before the road re-enters the highway.

THE ROUTE:
This run begins at the same trailhead as Nesmith Point and Elowah Falls runs, as well as Munra Point (from John B Yeon Trailhead). Almost immediately, keep left to follow the Gorge Trail #400 up the abandoned road. After a steep incline, you'll take a right at the fork to head up towards Upper McCord Creek Falls. After a few switchbacks, the trees will open up to views of the Gorge and Mt. Adams (north in Washington). The trail is cut into the wall and has railings. You'll see Elowah Falls from the top, just before entering the forest and reaching McCord Creek Falls.

Shared By:

Jessie Eby with improvements by David ElfairBarn

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 4 votes

#2837

Overall
  4.5 from 4 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#81

in Oregon

#2,837

Overall
6 Views Last Month
1,504 Since May 24, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

33%
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Photos

You almost feel like you are in another world as you walk through the woods.
Jan 12, 2017 near Cascade…, OR
Elowah Falls, Oregon
Jun 7, 2016 near Cascade…, OR
You'll have fantastic views of the Columbia River from the trail.
Jan 12, 2017 near Cascade…, OR
Elowah Falls looks beautiful from the Upper McCord Creek Falls Trail. Great views of the falls and Columbia River Gorge can be found on this section of the trail.
Jan 12, 2017 near Cascade…, OR
The trail follows the rock face of the cliff as it makes its way toward the falls. This is looking back down the trail.
Jan 12, 2017 near Cascade…, OR
The trail switches back on itself as it makes its way up the hillside before getting to the cliff face.
Jan 12, 2017 near Cascade…, OR

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