Upper McCord Creek Falls

Upper McCord Creek Falls is a two-part waterfall on McCord Creek above Elowah Falls in the wooded John B. Yeon corridor. The creek splits around a moss-covered basalt outcrop and drops about 64 feet. In dry summer weather, one side can stop flowing, so the cascades may look uneven. It’s a satisfying choice if you’re up for a steep, cliffside approach rather than a roadside stop.

From the John B. Yeon trailhead, follow Gorge Trail #400 about 0.3 mile to the fork, then take the uphill right branch. Switchbacks climb through the trees before a narrow path cut into the cliff opens to the Columbia River, Table Mountain, and Mount Adams. Round the curve for the twin falls, with Elowah below. The exposed ledge is the main tradeoff; take extra care with children or dogs.

The cliff curve is the spot to frame the upper falls and Elowah together; step back for a wider shot of the Gorge when the view opens. The corridor has an old trail story: in 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a bridge across McCord Creek and 1.5 miles of foot trail. John B. Yeon trailhead serves both waterfalls, but they split onto separate branches, so seeing both means returning to the fork.