Just under an hour’s drive from downtown Astoria, Oregon, nestled in a secluded forest glen, lies one of Clatsop County’s most scenic and storied natural wonders: Youngs River Falls. With its lush surroundings and Hollywood good looks, this 54-foot waterfall has captured the hearts of explorers, filmmakers, and adventurers alike.
đź“Ť Location:
Youngs River Falls is located about 30 miles southeast of Astoria, along Youngs River Road. It’s an easy side trip from the coast, with a short trail leading from the parking area down to the base of the falls.
🪵 What It’s Famous For:
Besides being one of the prettiest spots on the North Coast for a picnic or photo op, the falls are also a bit of a movie star. They’ve been featured in:
🎬 “Free Willy” (1993) – The heartfelt reunion scene was filmed here.
🎬 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” (1993) – The Turtles make a surprise cameo.
🎬 “Benji the Hunted” (1987) – The adventurous pup made his way to the falls, too.
đź“š A Bit of History:
Though Youngs River itself was discovered in 1792 by William Robert Broughton of the Vancouver Expedition—and named after Admiral Sir George Young of the Royal Navy—the falls went unrecorded at that time. The credit for their discovery goes to Patrick Gass, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who noted them in his journal during a hunting trip on March 1, 1806.
There’s no record of Lewis or Clark visiting the falls themselves, and the Corps of Discovery left Fort Clatsop just a few weeks later. In the early 1900s, at least one vintage postcard labeled the cascade “Saddle Falls”, likely due to its proximity to nearby Saddle Mountain.
✨ Why Visitors Love It Today:
- Easy access and a quick walk from the parking area
- Peaceful forest setting perfect for nature lovers
- Less crowded than other local landmarks
- Beautiful photo opportunities in every season
- Refreshing swimming hole in the summer
🚌 Tour Tip from Onward Adventures:
While not part of our regular routes, Youngs River Falls can be added to a private custom tour upon request. If you’re into scenic detours, film locations, or quiet forest walks, this one’s worth the stop.
đź“Ś Plan Your Visit with Onward Adventures
Looking to explore the lesser-known treasures of the Oregon Coast? At Onward Adventures, we offer custom and private tours tailored to your interests—including hidden gems like Youngs River Falls. Whether you’re a movie buff, nature lover, or history enthusiast, we’ll make sure your visit is unforgettable.
👉 Book your custom tour today: https://www.onward-adventures.com
📧 Questions? Reach out: tour@onward-adventures.com
đź“Ť Serving Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, and the surrounding North Coast