Stella Falls

Stella Falls occurs adjacent to the Little Nestucca Highway, just less than 4 miles inland from Highway 101. A large pool precedes the gorge and falls when approaching from downstream. Ample parking room is available along the road, and fishermans paths lead out onto the rocks adjacent to the river for views upstream and down.Stella Falls is the upper of two small waterfalls along the lower stretch of the Little Nestucca River. The falls consist of a cascading chute which rumbles into a deep trough-like gorge, bypassed by a fish ladder. The falls aren't anything to write home about, but unlike Upton Falls downstream, this one remains in its original state. The area just downstream has a fantastic swimming hole and is popular for fishing as well, but as far as waterfalls go, there are better in the area.The falls are, or at least were, also known as Estella Falls. I found a reference that identified whom the falls were named for, but I've lost track of it, so I will update this entry when I can find it again.