Overview

• Location: Clatsop County, Young River Falls State Park (Youngs River, near Astoria)

• Waterfall Type: Horsetail

• Height: ~54 feet (16 m)

• Trail Distance: Short walk from roadside; approximately 0.1–0.2 miles from the parking area

• Difficulty: Easy

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round; best flow fall through spring

History & Background

Youngs River Falls is a graceful 54-foot horsetail on the Youngs River in Youngs River Falls State Park near Astoria — one of the most accessible waterfalls in the northern Oregon Coast Range and a beloved local destination for residents of Oregon’s oldest American settlement. Astoria, founded in 1811 by John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company at the mouth of the Columbia River, claims to be the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. The Youngs River was named for Sir George Young, a British naval officer, during the early exploration of the Columbia River estuary. The falls are a rewarding natural counterpoint to Astoria’s rich maritime and historical character, tucked into the forested hills above the city just a short drive from the coast.

Geology

Youngs River Falls drops 54 feet as a horsetail over an oceanic basalt ledge at approximately 200 feet elevation in the northern Oregon Coast Range near Astoria. The northern Coast Range here is composed of the ancient oceanic basalt accreted onto the continent during the Eocene epoch — the same formation that defines the entire Oregon Coast Range. The Youngs River drains from the coastal highlands before flowing through the broad estuary landscape below Astoria toward Youngs Bay and the Columbia River. Annual precipitation near Astoria typically exceeds 65 inches, sustaining robust year-round stream flows.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Astoria, OR (~10 miles north)

• Trail Information:

  • From Astoria, follow Youngs River Loop Road approximately 10 miles to Youngs River Falls State Park; a short paved path from the parking area leads to the falls viewpoint

  • The park includes picnic facilities and is managed by Oregon State Parks; the falls combine naturally with a visit to Astoria’s remarkable historical sites for a full northwestern Oregon day trip

• Parking:

  • Youngs River Falls State Park parking area; Oregon State Parks day-use fee or annual pass required; picnic tables available

• Accessibility:

  • Short, mostly paved path from the parking area to the falls viewpoint; generally accessible for most visitors

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Strong flows from coastal rains; the forested approach trail vivid green; salmon and steelhead in the river

• Summer: Lower flows; pleasant forested setting; the coast near Astoria is cooler than inland Oregon

• Fall: Best steelhead fishing season; flows returning with October rains; fall foliage

• Winter: Highest flows; the falls are most powerful; dramatic coastal weather

Nearby Attractions

• Astoria (oldest American settlement west of Rockies, Astoria Column, maritime museums)

• Fort Clatsop National Historical Park (Lewis & Clark)

• Astoria Bridge (longest continuous truss bridge in the US)

• Cape Disappointment State Park (~5 miles north)

• Fort Stevens State Park (~10 miles west)

References

• Links:

  • Oregon State Parks – Youngs River Falls

  • Travel Oregon – Astoria

• Books:

  • Oregon Waterfalls by Greg Plumb

  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest