Waterfall

Columnar Canyon Falls

Also known as: Upper South Fork Falls

Columnar Canyon Falls
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About This Waterfall

This appears to be the major waterfall of the South Fork of Whychus Creek. In all likelihood, there are more waterfalls upstream of this point, but I suspect none are as large as this 125-foot double-drop, spilling into a gaping canyon surrounded by columnar basalt walls. This is one of the more precarious waterfalls in the Whychus Creek drainage to view. This picture was taken as I sat on a stone ledge, composed of what appeared to be stratified volcanic ash, with my legs dangling off the cliff - the ground some 150 feet below - and my tripod straddled across my lap. Fortunately, the pictures turned out, because it's not something I look forward to, or condone repeating. Definitely one of the more spectacular waterfalls of the Whychus Creek area, but not one I recommend visiting.I've proposed naming the falls such after the sharp, well defined columnar basalt formations which line the canyon for several hundred feet in every direction from the falls.

Waterfall Details

Waterfall Form

Tiered Plunges

Best Time to Visit

Year Round

Total Height

125ft

Tallest Drop

100ft

Number of Drops

2

Run

15ft

Avg Width

25ft

Pitch

90°

Magnitude

61.04

High Flow

150cfs

IWC Rating:2.48
Feeder Stream:Deschutes River South Fork Whychus Creek
View on World Waterfall Database

Getting There

GPS Coordinates

44.149470, -121.690630

Directions

Community Submitted

direction from the falls.

Community Discussion

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Quick Facts

TypeWaterfall
FormTiered Plunges
Best SeasonYear Round
StatusCataloged

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Tips

📸

Best photos during golden hour or after rain.

🥾

A hike may be required to reach the falls.

Safety Info

Stay on marked trails. Rocks near waterfalls are extremely slippery.

Never swim at the top of a waterfall. Strong currents can be deceptive.

Respect the environment. Pack out everything you bring in.