About Thompson Falls
Thompson Falls is a named waterfall in Morrow County, Oregon, located about 29 miles southeast of Heppner. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Thompson Flat 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 45°01′15″ N, 119°11′32″ W (45.02094, -119.19225). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Thompson Falls Spring (spring, 0.3 mi), Thompson Creek (stream, 1.5 mi), and Bonita Spring (spring, 1.6 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Meadow Brooks Falls, 12 miles to the east.
Weather at Thompson 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 Thompson 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 Thompson Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Thompson Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Thompson Falls Spring — spring, 0.3 mi
- Thompson Creek — stream, 1.5 mi
- Bonita Spring — spring, 1.6 mi
- Rush Creek — stream, 1.6 mi
- Devils Backbone — ridge, 1.7 mi
- Potamus Point — cliff, 1.8 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 45.02094, -119.19225. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Thompson Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Thompson Falls located?
Thompson Falls is in Morrow County, Oregon, about 29 miles southeast of Heppner. Its coordinates are 45.02094, -119.19225 (45°01′15″ N, 119°11′32″ W).
What town is closest to Thompson Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Heppner, OR, about 29 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Thompson Falls?
The closest is Meadow Brooks Falls (12 mi east). Others within reach include Buck Falls (23 mi) and Glutton Falls (25 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Thompson Falls?
Thompson Falls appears on the USGS Thompson Flat 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.