About Tumwater Falls
Tumwater Falls is a named waterfall in Gilliam County, Oregon, located about 16 miles northeast of Moro. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Quinton 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 45°39′30″ N, 120°30′10″ W (45.65847, -120.50275). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Narrows (valley, 0.3 mi), Draper Canyon (valley, 0.5 mi), and Emigrant Canyon (valley, 2.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Horseshoe Falls, 19 miles to the south.
Name history: "Tumwater is a Chinuk Wawa word meaning ""waterfall""."
Weather at Tumwater Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Tumwater Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Narrows — valley, 0.3 mi
- Draper Canyon — valley, 0.5 mi
- Emigrant Canyon — valley, 2.0 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 45.65847, -120.50275. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Tumwater Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tumwater Falls located?
Tumwater Falls is in Gilliam County, Oregon, about 16 miles northeast of Moro. Its coordinates are 45.65847, -120.50275 (45°39′30″ N, 120°30′10″ W).
What town is closest to Tumwater Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Moro, OR, about 16 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Tumwater Falls?
The closest is Horseshoe Falls (19 mi south). Others within reach include Celilo Falls (historical) (23 mi), Wolf Hollow Falls (28 mi), and Cushing Falls (30 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Tumwater Falls?
Tumwater Falls appears on the USGS Quinton 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.