A three-tiered waterfall system totaling over 140 feet on a National Recreation Trail in north-central Idaho.
No fee
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Trailhead accessible daylight hours only; seasonal use begins in May. Currently under a general Stage 1 fire restriction (no campfires) as of the check date.
Elk Creek Falls is actually a three-tiered waterfall system accessed via the Elk Creek Falls National Recreation Trail in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The combined drops exceed 140 feet, creating a series of scenic cascades through the forest.
The U.S. Forest Service manages the trailhead and trail, with access available from May through September during official daylight hours. The official recreation page does not itemize the individual heights of each tier or provide precise mileage figures (third-party sources vary, suggesting 2.5 to 3.5 miles round-trip). For current trailhead conditions and exact distance, contact the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests directly.
A Stage 1 fire restriction was in effect as of the most recent check date, prohibiting campfires throughout the forest (though this does not affect day-use hiking). Always verify current fire restrictions and trail conditions with the Forest Service before planning a visit. The trail’s National Recreation Trail designation indicates its quality and maintenance standard, making it a reliable choice for moderate-difficulty waterfall hiking in central Idaho’s backcountry.
May through September when the trailhead is open for daylight access; check current fire restrictions.
No fee
The managing agency's page (linked below) has the current trailhead and route details — round-trip distance wasn't published when we checked.
We track 8 waterfalls in Idaho Panhandle.
fs.usda.gov
U.S. Forest Service official Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests recreation site page, checked 2026-09-04. Three separate waterfalls total over 140 ft combined along the Elk Creek Falls National Recreation Trail; individual heights and exact mileage are not itemized on the official page (third-party sources vary from 2.5-3.5 mi, so left null). No site closure, only a general forest-wide fire restriction.
Checked September 2026.