Overview

• Location: Wasco County, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (near Mosier)

• Waterfall Type: Horsetail

• Height: ~30 feet (9 m)

• Trail Distance: ~2–3 miles round-trip via trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

• Difficulty: Medium

• Best Time to Visit: Spring through early summer

History & Background

Cushing Falls is a horsetail waterfall in the eastern section of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, near the community of Mosier in Wasco County. The eastern gorge, which transitions from the lush western rain shadow to the drier, oak-covered hills east of Hood River, is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area established by Congress in 1986. This area receives significantly less rainfall than the western Gorge, giving its landscape a more open, dramatic character with Oregon white oak, ponderosa pine, and dry meadows replacing the dense Douglas fir forests to the west. Cushing Creek is one of several seasonal creeks that tumble from the plateau rim into the gorge.

Geology

Cushing Falls drops over the Columbia River Basalt that forms the cliffs and canyon walls throughout the Columbia River Gorge. At approximately 121 feet elevation near the river, the falls reflect the steep gradient of the gorge walls where tributaries descend rapidly from the plateau above. The eastern gorge basalt displays the same columnar and massive layering seen throughout the region, formed by lava flows 6–17 million years ago. The drier eastern gorge climate creates a striking contrast between the mossy, wet environments of western Gorge waterfalls and the more exposed, rocky setting of Cushing Falls.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Mosier, OR (~5 miles east); Hood River, OR (~10 miles west)

• Trail Information:

  • Access via a trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area near Mosier; the route climbs through dry oak and pine forest above the gorge floor

  • Trail surfaces are natural and can be steep; the eastern gorge is notably warmer and drier than the western Gorge — carry water and sun protection

• Parking:

  • Small trailhead or pullout parking near the access point; no formal facilities; Northwest Forest Pass or day-use fee may apply

• Accessibility:

  • Not wheelchair accessible; moderately steep trail on natural surfaces

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Best flows from spring snowmelt; gorge wildflowers are outstanding in the eastern Gorge in April and May

• Summer: Reduced flow; hot and exposed; the eastern gorge can be very warm — early morning hiking recommended

• Fall: Quiet season; flows returning with October rains; golden oak foliage

• Winter: High flows; accessible but cold; icy conditions possible on trail

Nearby Attractions

• Historic Mosier Twin Tunnels

• Hood River Valley

• Tom McCall Nature Preserve (Rowena Crest)

• White River Falls State Park (~25 miles south)

• The Dalles (~20 miles east)

References

• Links:

  • Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area – USFS

  • Travel Oregon – Columbia River Gorge

• Books:

  • Oregon Waterfalls by Greg Plumb

  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest