Overview

• Location: Clatsop County, Northern Oregon Coast Range

• Waterfall Type: Cascade

• Height: ~10 feet (3 m)

• Trail Distance: Short walk from roadside pullout; approximately 0.1–0.2 miles

• Difficulty: Easy

• Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring

History & Background

Barth Falls is a modest roadside cascade in Clatsop County in the northern Oregon Coast Range, near the communities of Knappa and the lower Columbia River region. Though small in stature, the falls are characteristic of the many small cascades that tumble through the dense coastal forest of northwestern Oregon. The surrounding area was historically part of the vast timber-producing landscape of the northern Coast Range, and the watershed retains much of its forested character. The falls are named after an early settler family in the region.

Geology

Barth Falls cascades over basaltic rock of the Oregon Coast Range, a terrane composed primarily of oceanic basalt accreted onto the North American continent during the Eocene epoch. The northern Coast Range receives among the highest rainfall in Oregon—often exceeding 100 inches annually at the highest elevations—which maintains strong year-round flows in small streams like this one. Surrounding forest of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red alder reflects the cool, wet coastal climate.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Knappa, OR; Astoria, OR (~15 miles northwest)

• Trail Information:

  • Short roadside path leads to the falls from a pullout on the adjacent road; the walk is brief and essentially flat

  • Informal paths along the creek allow for additional exploration of the surrounding coastal forest

• Parking:

  • Roadside pullout along the county road; no formal parking area or facilities

• Accessibility:

  • Generally accessible from the roadside; short unpaved path to the base

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Strong flow from coastal rains; lush green forest environment

• Summer: Reduced flow typical of the dry season; coastal fog keeps the area cool

• Fall: Rainfall returns in October and flows increase; fall color from alder and maple

• Winter: Highest flows of the year; road access remains easy; coastal storm conditions can be dramatic

Nearby Attractions

• Astoria Column

• Fort Clatsop National Memorial

• Fort Stevens State Park

• Columbia River

• Youngs River Falls

References

• Links:

  • Travel Oregon – Astoria and the Northern Coast

  • Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber

• Books:

  • Oregon Waterfalls by Greg Plumb

  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest