About Celilo Falls (historical)
Celilo Falls (historical) is a named waterfall in Wasco County, Oregon, located about 10 miles east of The Dalles. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Wishram 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 45°38′59″ N, 120°58′44″ W (45.64984, -120.97896). Historical sources also record the name The Chutes. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Patton Spring (spring, 1.4 mi) and Fairbanks Gap (gap, 1.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Cushing Falls, 7.3 miles to the west.
USGS gazetteer description: Falls obliterated by Dalles Dam in 1956 and inundated by Lake Celilo Reservoir
Name history: "Indian word ""celilo"" means ""floating sand cloud,"" to describe the sandstorms on the Columbia Gorge (WA-T001)"
Weather at Celilo Falls (historical)
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Celilo Falls (historical)
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Celilo Falls (historical). Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Celilo Falls (historical). Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Patton Spring — spring, 1.4 mi
- Fairbanks Gap — gap, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 45.64984, -120.97896. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Celilo Falls (historical)
- Outlet Falls, WA27 mi north
- Wah Gwin Gwin Falls, OR28 mi west
- White River Falls, OR29 mi south
- Celestial Falls, OR29 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Celilo Falls (historical) located?
Celilo Falls (historical) is in Wasco County, Oregon, about 10 miles east of The Dalles. Its coordinates are 45.64984, -120.97896 (45°38′59″ N, 120°58′44″ W).
What town is closest to Celilo Falls (historical)?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is The Dalles, OR, about 10 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Celilo Falls (historical)?
The closest is Cushing Falls (7.3 mi west). Others within reach include The Dalles (historical) (9.5 mi), Mill Creek Falls (20 mi), and Tumwater Falls (23 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Celilo Falls (historical)?
Celilo Falls (historical) appears on the USGS Wishram 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.