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Youngs River Falls is both tormented and coveted and remains a testament that nature will, in the end, take care of what needs to be done. Here, the Youngs River hurtles over a large wall, veiling 65 feet into a pool locked in by large gravel bars. The falls are somewhat unique in that the base is located a measly 30 feet above sea level – a modest tsunami could easily wash all the way to the falls. The falls have been featured in several movies, most notably Free Willy 2 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 (don’t hold it against the waterfall for choosing bad movies). Most likely because of this fame, but also being in close proximity to Astoria, the falls are a popular place for the local youth to congregate, and as a result the area hasn’t exactly been kept in the best of shape. Litter has often strewn the area, making it a place not desirable to linger. However, as said above, nature knows how to take care of itself. There is evidence pointing to the falls flooding on a massive scale recently – most likely the December 2004 event that ravaged much of northern Oregon. The banks adjacent to the falls were scoured clean, the gravel bars downstream which formerly were populated with 7 foot tall brush were stripped bare, and there was some rather serious erosion near where the trail from the parking area descends. Based on where I was standing when I took my most recent photos, I suspect the river had to be at least 10 feet deeper coming over the crest of the falls than what I witnessed.
- YOUNGS RIVER FALLS is the Official name of this waterfall.
Youngs River was discovered in 1792 by William Robert Broughton of the Vancouver Expedition. The river was named for Sir George Young of the Royal Navy. It is presumed that Broughton discovered the falls as well, because of its close proximity to the mouth of the river. The bay and presumably the falls were named after the river as an afterthought.
The falls are located approximately 8 miles due south of Astoria. Take Highway 202 south from Astoria to the town of Olney. At Olney, turn right onto Youngs River Loop Road, also marked for the falls. In 4 miles, turn left where the falls are signed. The falls are visible from the parking area, and a trail leads 300 feet to its base.
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