About Cowlitz Falls
Cowlitz Falls is a named waterfall in Lewis County, Washington, located about 10 miles southeast of Morton. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Cowlitz Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°27′57″ N, 122°06′26″ W (46.46594, -122.10732). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Tumwater Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), Lake Scanewa (reservoir, 0.9 mi), and Cispus River (stream, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Harmony Falls, 13 miles to the south.
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Weather at Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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
Cowlitz Falls holds a 1.3 average from 8 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Cowlitz Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Tumwater Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Lake Scanewa — reservoir, 0.9 mi
- Cispus River — stream, 1.0 mi
- Copper Canyon — valley, 1.4 mi
- Copper Canyon Creek — stream, 1.5 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 46.46594, -122.10732. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Cowlitz Falls
- Lower Falls, WA24 mi southeast
- Little Niagara Falls, WA26 mi southeast
- Carter Falls, WA26 mi northeast
- Madcap Falls, WA26 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cowlitz Falls located?
Cowlitz Falls is in Lewis County, Washington, about 10 miles southeast of Morton. Its coordinates are 46.46594, -122.10732 (46°27′57″ N, 122°06′26″ W).
What town is closest to Cowlitz Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Morton, WA, about 10 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Cowlitz Falls?
The closest is Harmony Falls (13 mi south). Others within reach include Paradise Falls (17 mi), Loowit Falls (17 mi), and Jennings Falls (23 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Cowlitz Falls?
Cowlitz Falls appears on the USGS Cowlitz Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.