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Heading east through the Columbia River Gorge, after passing through Hood River, the landscape very suddenly turns arid and a sense that waterfall country has been left behind can quickly arise. Approaching the rolling hills near Mosier, one most likely wouldn't know to look for waterfalls, but Mosier Creek drops over one of the most scenic on the dry side of the Gorge. Starting at the bridge built over Mosier Creek as part of the original Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway, a path climbs the grassy hillside overlooking the mouth of a fairly substantial canyon. At the top of the hill, the Mosier Pioneer Cemetary is reached, complete with the headstones for the family who founded the town of Mosier. As the path continues along the rim of the gorge, flanked with Balsamroot and Sagebrush, the falls don't reveal themselves until the very top of the rise. The echoing sounds of the creek remain confined within the canyon walls itself, creating an eerily calm and quiet scene until overlooking the 70 foot falls. Several benches speckle the landscape providing places to pause and reflect. Be cautious about Rattlesnakes and Ticks in this area, it is prime habitat.
- Mosier Falls is the Historical name of this waterfall.
- Known Alternate Names: Mosier Creek Falls
This waterfall is commonly referred to as Mosier Creek Falls, but it appears that the more simplified Mosier Falls is the precedent set by various historical and local references.
Exit Interstate 84 at Mosier (Exit 69), approximately 6 miles east of Hood River. Turn left after leaving the freeway overpass, passing through the town. Park at the bridge over Mosier Creek and find the path signed for the Mosier Pioneer Cemetery. Follow this trail for about ¼ mile up the hill to fenced viewpoints of the falls and canyon.
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