Lower Elk Creek Falls
Clearwater County, Idaho
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Clearwater County, Idaho
- Access status
- Established trail to Lower Falls viewpoint; no fee; steep descent
- The walk
- About 2.25 miles one way to the Lower Falls viewpoint by the source's segment figures
- Ground & access
- Semi-steep descent to the viewpoint and climb back. Steep drop-offs; stay inside the viewpoint structure. Trails are hazardous when wet.
Lower Elk Creek Falls, about 50 feet, is the lowest of three falls in the Elk Creek Falls National Recreation Area near Elk River. From the trailhead, hike Trail #740 about a mile to a signed Y, go right and descend about 1.25 miles on a semi-steep trail to a viewpoint structure. Return up to the sign; Trail #742 continues to the Middle and Upper Falls.
Plan your visit
Elk Creek Falls Trailhead, Trail #740 to the Lower Falls viewpoint
Inland NW Routes gives about 1 mile on Trail #740 to the Y, then about 1.25 miles down to the Lower Falls viewpoint. Its summary gives about 2.5 miles for the whole area, which does not match the segment figures. Treat the distance as approximate.
Semi-steep descent to the viewpoint and climb back. Steep drop-offs; stay inside the viewpoint structure. Trails are hazardous when wet.
Where to start
Trailhead parking with a pit toilet, about 2 miles in on Elk Creek Falls Road 1452 from Idaho Highway 8. The source says there are no fees.
Timing & water
Open year-round. In winter it is about a 2-mile ski or snowshoe from Highway 8 to the trailhead.
Before you go
Inland NW Routes says there are no fees to use the area. No reservation mentioned.
Visitor informationMore waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
