How to Visit Youngs River Falls

Youngs River Falls is a lovely waterfall only 10 miles away from Astoria, Oregon. While its undeveloped setting makes it feel remote, it’s one of the better-known waterfalls in the Coastal Mountains and was a filming location for several movies. Before I visited, my online research left me with a few unanswered questions about what to expect there. Next time you’re spending the weekend in Astoria or taking the scenic route to the northern towns of the Oregon Coast, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Youngs River Falls.

Cow parsnip and fringecup near Youngs River Falls

Know before you go

• Cost: It’s free to visit Youngs River Falls. You don’t need a parking pass.

• Parking is along the gravel shoulder at the end of Youngs River Falls Park Road. It’s limited and might be crowded on summer weekends. I went on a weekday in late spring and was the only one there.

• Amenities: None

• Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.

• Hazards: Do not go climbing or cliff jumping at Youngs River Falls. The rocks of the cliff jut out too far, and the plunge pool isn’t deep enough to jump safely. People have died and been seriously injured here.

• Leave no trace: Pack out any trash. Sadly, I saw a lot of litter when I visited.

• Season: All year. May get snow and ice in winter.

• ADA access: No. The terrain is steep and irregular.

• Reception: None. I lost GPS navigation in the mountains and never got it back. Consider bringing offline directions.

• Roads: The roads to Youngs River Falls are paved and in good condition. Getting there is no problem with a low-clearance vehicle.

Youngs River Falls

Trail conditions

There’s a mini hike to Youngs River Falls, about a quarter mile round-trip. Although short, the terrain is rough. Expect rocks and large tree roots. If you’re used to hiking near the Oregon Coast, it’s pretty typical. It just may be a little tricky if you have knee problems or if you’re hiking with younger kids.

Youngs River Falls Hike

Once you park, Youngs River Falls is so close that you’ll be able to hear it as soon as you step out of the car. You can see a hint of the water through the trees. Two trails start from the parking area. They have signs about falling hazards, but no trail names. You can take either. We’ll take the trail on the right.

Start here

On an otherwise informal trail, the trailhead has surprisingly formal interpretive signs about the Lewis and Clark expedition. Members of the Corps of Discovery stumbled upon Youngs River Falls while hunting for elk.

Trail to Youngs River Falls

The short hike is through a dense forest, where wood sorrel and false lily of the valley grow under ferns, salal, and berry bramble. As you walk down the hill, you’ll soon pass the spot where the other trail from the parking lot meets up with the main trail.

Trails merge

Just ahead is a gap in the tree cover and a view of Youngs River. Flowers on the thimbleberry bushes promise berries later in the summer.

Almost there

The hike is over before you know it. After walking down a final set of stairs, you’ll reach an impressive exposed root system of a large tree. It’s recessed enough to walk underneath.

Cool tree

Beyond the wacky tree, you’ll see Youngs River Falls tumbling 54 feet down a cliff face as a curtain of water. It flows all year, but is most powerful in the spring. When I visited in May, it had a satisfying roaring sound and sent out a constant spray of cool mist. On hot summer days, you can wade along the riverbanks. Boulders and logs on the shore make good spots to sit and have a snack break.

Youngs River Falls

Getting there

Navigate to: Young's River Falls Park - Astoria Parks & Recreation

Coming from Astoria, take US-101 Business south to Youngs River Road. Turn left onto Youngs River Road and continue for 7.4 miles. Then, turn right onto Youngs River Falls Park Road. At the turn, a brown street sign points towards Youngs River Falls. Continue to the end of the road, about 0.1 miles, and park on the gravel shoulder. The drive takes about 20 minutes.

Coming from Portland, take US-26 W to OR-103 N. Note that I lost reception, including GPS navigation, before leaving US-26 W. Turn left onto OR-103 N, then take an immediate right to stay on it. Continue for 8.9 miles, then turn left onto OR-202 N. In 19.5 miles, turn left onto Youngs River Road. Continue for 3.8 miles, then left onto Youngs River Falls Park Road. At the turn, a brown street sign points towards Youngs River Falls. Continue to the end of the road, about 0.1 miles, and park on the gravel shoulder. The drive takes about 2 hours.

Enjoy your trip to Youngs River Falls!

Thanks,

Emma

Explore nearby

If you’re visiting Youngs River Falls from Portland, you’ll drive past Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area on the way. It’s a hotspot for elk. You need a pass to park, but sometimes you can see elk from the road. The best time to look for them is during the winter.

Make the short drive from Youngs River Falls to Astoria and check out the panoramic views from the Astoria Column.

Spend a perfect day in Seaside, Oregon, only 30 minutes away from Youngs River Falls.