About Gatch Falls
Gatch Falls is a named waterfall in Linn County, Oregon, located about 25 miles northwest of Sisters. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Marion Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°34′04″ N, 121°52′33″ W (44.56790, -121.87590). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Lake Ann (lake, 0.3 mi), Marion Lake (lake, 1.0 mi), and Jack Creek (stream, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Marion Falls, 0.1 miles to the south.
USGS gazetteer description: In the course of Marion Creek, 8 km (5 mi) SE of the community of Marion Forks.
Name history: Named in 1874 for Thomas M. Gatch, pioneer teacher at Willamette University.
More Photos
4 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Gatch 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 Gatch 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 Gatch 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
Gatch Falls holds a 4.0 average from 5 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Gatch Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Lake Ann — lake, 0.3 mi
- Marion Lake — lake, 1.0 mi
- Jack Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Turpentine Creek — stream, 1.4 mi
- Marion Mountain — summit, 1.4 mi
- Mist Creek — stream, 1.5 mi
- Whiskey Creek — stream, 1.6 mi
- Davis Lake — lake, 1.6 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 44.56790, -121.87590. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Gatch Falls
- Tamolitch Falls, OR19 mi southwest
- Sullivan Creek Falls, OR27 mi northwest
- Cascade Falls, OR27 mi west
- Obsidian Falls, OR28 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gatch Falls located?
Gatch Falls is in Linn County, Oregon, about 25 miles northwest of Sisters. Its coordinates are 44.56790, -121.87590 (44°34′04″ N, 121°52′33″ W).
What town is closest to Gatch Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Sisters, OR, about 25 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Gatch Falls?
The closest is Marion Falls (0.1 mi south). Others within reach include Gooch Falls (1.9 mi), Wizard Falls (12 mi), and Sahalie Falls (16 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Gatch Falls?
Gatch Falls appears on the USGS Marion Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.