Youngs River Falls
Near Chadwell, Oregon · on Youngs River
Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- waterfall pool
- FALLS
- Waterfall on site
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Free
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Youngs River Falls
Youngs River Falls is a 54-foot cascading waterfall on the Youngs River about 8 miles south of Astoria, Oregon, dropping into a swimmable plunge pool that is a popular local recreation spot. It has appeared in several films, including Free Willy 2 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, and was noted by a Lewis and Clark Expedition hunting party in 1806.
The falls sit in a forested stretch of the Youngs River valley in Clatsop County on Oregon's north coast, reached via a short trail down from a small roadside parking area off Youngs River Road.
Swimming at Youngs River Falls
A gravel-bank swimming hole sits downstream of the falls with clear, cool water; one source describes the deepest part reaching roughly 5-7 feet, making it usable by casual waders and swimmers, while cliff areas near the falls themselves are described as hazardous for jumping.
How to get to this swimming hole
From US-101 in Astoria, take US-101 Business east to the Old Youngs Bay Bridge, continue 1.4 miles to Youngs River Road, turn left and follow it about 7.4 miles; turn right at the falls sign shortly before the Youngs River bridge and go 0.1 mile to the parking area.
Parking: Small gravel parking lot near the trailhead, accessible by any passenger vehicle and typically uncrowded on weekdays.
The hike in
- To the water
- approximately 0.25 mile one-way from the parking lot down to the falls/swimming area
- Time on foot
- Roughly 10-15 minutes each way given the short, easy grade.
Difficulty: Easy but with rocky, root-heavy footing in spots on the way down and a short uphill stretch on the return; described by one visitor as doable in flip-flops though sturdier shoes are preferable.
Trailhead: Small gravel parking lot off Youngs River Road, about 7.4 miles from US-101/Old Youngs Bay Bridge in Astoria; turn at the falls sign shortly before the Youngs River bridge and go 0.1 mile to the lot.
This is a short, standalone spur path down to the falls, not a segment of a longer named trail; the entire walk is about 0.25 mile each way.
Visitors describe the walk in as 'a quick downhill stroll,' with the return trip involving a short uphill that remains accessible to most people.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
First-hand accounts describe a calm, gravel-bank pool where kids and dogs can splash and swim in summer with plenty of space, but the rock ledges and cliffs around the falls itself are slippery with deceptively sloped drop-offs, and Wikipedia documents two jump/fall fatalities (2014, 2016) at the falls, so care is needed to keep children away from the falls edge and cliff-jumping areas.
Parking
Free
Small gravel day-use parking lot at the trailhead off Youngs River Road, accessible to any passenger vehicle and typically uncrowded on weekdays; described as free day-use parking.
Water clarity
Clear
Multiple independent visitor accounts describe the swimming pool water as clear, fresh, and cool, and one account characterizes the water quality as 'transparent'. No additional firsthand reports on clarity were available.
Hours
Year-round, dawn to dusk, day-use only (no overnight parking or camping permitted).
On the water
No source found describes kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or motorboat use at this location. The swimming area is a confined plunge pool immediately below a 54-foot waterfall, which the available descriptions (gravel beach, short swim pool, cliff-jumping hazard warnings) suggest is not a boat-accessible stretch of the Youngs River. Absence of evidence is not confirmation watercraft are prohibited -- this remains unconfirmed rather than a firm 'no'.
What regulars say
One recent visitor reports the parking lot was uncrowded on their visit and that there was 'plenty of space for everyone to enjoy without feeling crowded,' with kids and dogs splashing in the pool. The same account flags rocky, root-heavy footing on the short access path.
Backstory
A hunting party from the Lewis and Clark Expedition reported on the falls in March 1806, an encounter recorded in William Clark's journals. The falls have been used as a filming location for Free Willy 2, Benji the Hunted, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III.
Youngs River Falls: FAQ
Does Youngs River Falls charge a fee?
Described by one source as free day-use access, open year-round from dawn to dusk; not independently confirmed on a current official park fee schedule.
Is Youngs River Falls kid friendly?
First-hand accounts describe a calm, gravel-bank pool where kids and dogs can splash and swim in summer with plenty of space, but the rock ledges and cliffs around the falls itself are slippery with deceptively sloped drop-offs, and Wikipedia documents two jump/fall fatalities (2014, 2016) at the falls, so care is needed to keep children away from the falls edge and cliff-jumping areas.
How hard is the hike to Youngs River Falls?
A hike is required, about approximately 0.25 mile one-way from the parking lot down to the falls/swimming area to the water (roughly 10-15 minutes each way given the short, easy grade.). Wear real shoes, since approaches to natural swim spots are often rocky or rooty.
Where do I park for Youngs River Falls?
Small gravel day-use parking lot at the trailhead off Youngs River Road, accessible to any passenger vehicle and typically uncrowded on weekdays; described as free day-use parking.
When is the best time to visit Youngs River Falls?
Summer months are cited for calmer, warmer swimming water; the waterfall itself is described as a year-round attraction.
What are the rules at Youngs River Falls?
One source states dogs must be leashed and camping/overnight parking is prohibited; not independently confirmed on an official page.
What water body is Youngs River Falls on?
Youngs River Falls is on Youngs River, a natural waterfall pool verified in USGS hydrography data.
