The Elowah Falls, also known as McCord Creek Falls, is in Multnomah County, Oregon, the U.S. This is a 213-foot-high scenic waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. A waterfall is a place where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of drops in the course of a stream or river. McCord Creek features several waterfalls, including Elowah Falls.
John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor encompasses the Creek and the waterfall. There are many hidden gems in the area, but Elowah Falls is one of the best in the late winter and early spring. There is a lot of beauty to be seen in the Columbia Gorge due to the colorful yellow-green lichen that covers the cliffs on either side of the falls. Pierce Falls was the name of the falls prior to 1915.
There is a creek that forms the waterfall with the name McCord Falls. Elowah falls became known after the Mazamas successfully renamed them in 1915. There is no clear meaning to the term. McCord Creek shoots at high velocity into a layered basalt amphitheater after being forced into a narrow channel by sheer cliffs.
It is an easy hike suitable for most beginners to reach the waterfall. Continuing on along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail will take you back to Elowah Falls, which is also extremely popular. On the return trip, therefore, a noisier route was taken as it was less populated. It is a popular combination hike from the same trailhead as the Upper McCord Creek Falls Hike. The Eagle Creek Fire burned here in 2017, and scorched alders and maple trees can be seen immediately.
A 289-foot height has been commonly claimed, but repeated visits led us to doubt its accuracy. During the hike to the falls, one may encounter Elowah and a portion of Upper McCord Creek Falls along the trail, leading one to believe that the falls were one.
Under and around vascular plants, lichens and mosses cover up to 80 percent of the ground surface. There is something beautiful and inviting about scenic waterfalls. It is not uncommon for them to be tourist destinations. When land slopes abruptly change, such as when it enters a valley carved by erosion, waterfalls can form.
The Elowah Waterfall is usually formed in the middle of rivers or streams, where it can be narrow and deep enough to create a stunning sight, especially when it forms multiple steep cascades over several tiers. But many waterfalls also form at the edges of rivers and streams, where they may be wide and shallow enough for people to wade into the base of them. You may also see some fairy bells flowers (Prosartes hookeri) at the Elowah waterfalls.
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