Barrier Falls

Barrier Falls is a 5-foot cascade on Gnat Creek in Clatsop County, Oregon, a short walk from Gnat Creek Hatchery.

The falls

The creek spreads over a basalt ledge that forms a natural barrier to native fish migration rather than dropping in a single plunge. The water source is listed as unknown, low-water volume is close to zero, and winter is the best flow.

Getting there

The falls sit behind Gnat Creek Hatchery, which the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife operates on Highway 30 and keeps open daily from 7:30 a.m. to dusk. Visitor parking is behind the hatchery ponds, and a signed 500-foot path leads to the overlook. There is no entrance fee, permit, or reservation, and no closure is in effect. ADA-accessible restrooms are at a nearby wayside.

When to go

Winter is the best flow, and the trail is usable year-round; interpretive signs along the way cover vegetation and habitat in the coastal rainforest.

On site

Official swimming and dog rules, and any recorded deaths, rescues, or injuries at the falls, are not documented.

History and name

Barrier Falls is an official name: the ledge is a natural barrier to native fish migration. The hatchery next to the falls was built in 1960 under the Columbia River Fisheries Development Program.

Nearby

Middle Gnat Creek Falls is about 1.5 miles away, Hunt Creek Falls about 2.9 miles, and Gnat Creek Falls about 3.2 miles.

Distances are straight-line.