If you want to avoid the steepest parts, you can stick to the lower trail and still see the more impressive of the two waterfalls. There, at Elowah Falls, you’ll step into a sunny amphitheater of overhanging basalt, where the water plunges in freefall for more than 200 feet, crashing into a pool surrounded by mossy boulders.

To continue to the upper falls, backtrack to a junction, then head up the rockier trail heading farther uphill. On this path to Upper McCord Creek Falls is where you’ll encounter the exposed sections, but they come with phenomenal views. The waterfall is in fact only one highlight. You’ll also find a panorama of the river gorge, and you’ll reach an overlook of both waterfalls in the same view. Impressive trailwork has been done here to cross rock-strewn slopes and cliff faces.

Nearing the waterfall, the trail cuts through a stone grotto that’s dripping with water and draped in ferns. Turn the corner from there to find Upper McCord, which is a different spectacle than Elowah Falls. It’s a 60-foot forked waterfall, splitting into twin arms around a moss-cloaked pillar of basalt, framed on all sides by curtains of foliage.

All along these trails, but especially on the way to Upper McCord Creek Falls, you’ll notice nature’s recovery from wildfire and erosion. Some blackened trunks and landslide scars are evidence of past burns, but the vegetation is quickly bouncing back. Due to lingering damage and occasional rockfall on these steep slopes, the trails sometimes close for repairs. Check the state park webpage to make sure it’s open before you go.

Sources: https://www.oregonhikers.org/fieldguide/ElowahFallsLoopHike https://www.oregonhikers.org/fieldguide/UpperMcCordCreekFallsHike https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=114