About Elk Creek Falls
Elk Creek Falls is a named waterfall in Clearwater County, Idaho, located about 18 miles north of Orofino. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Elk Creek Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°44′10″ N, 116°10′27″ W (46.73624, -116.17426). Historical sources also record the name Old Camp Y. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Deep Creek (stream, 0.6 mi), Burnt Creek (stream, 0.9 mi), and Spud Creek (stream, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Bull Run Creek Falls, 1.0 miles to the west.
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Elk Creek Falls:
hiking trailviewing areasareabeautiful placefalls
More Photos
169 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Elk Creek Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Elk Creek Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Elk Creek Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Elk Creek Falls holds a 4.9 average from 38 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Elk Creek Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Deep Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Burnt Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Spud Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Tick Ridge — ridge, 1.3 mi
- Lindley Creek — stream, 1.6 mi
- Fisher Creek — stream, 1.7 mi
- Bull Run Creek — stream, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 46.73624, -116.17426. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Elk Creek Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elk Creek Falls located?
Elk Creek Falls is in Clearwater County, Idaho, about 18 miles north of Orofino. Its coordinates are 46.73624, -116.17426 (46°44′10″ N, 116°10′27″ W).
What town is closest to Elk Creek Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Orofino, ID, about 18 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Elk Creek Falls?
The closest is Bull Run Creek Falls (1.0 mi west).
Which USGS topographic map shows Elk Creek Falls?
Elk Creek Falls appears on the USGS Elk Creek Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.