Youngs River Falls + Swimming Hole

Youngs River Falls was first discovered in 1806 by a hunting party of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery that was departing from their nearby winter accommodations at Fort Clatsop.

Today the 50-foot waterfall is an extremely popular local swimming hole during the summer months and a unique roadside attraction during the winter months. The falls are located roughly 10 miles south of Astoria, aren't close to much of anything else, and are somewhat difficult to find, so follow the directions closely. Once you've reached the parking area, numerous paths to the falls lead down through an old-growth grove of Sitka spruce. A broad pebbled beach makes for the perfect place to lay down a towel and soak up the summer sun. Mist from the falls will cool you off, and there is a deep pool in the river adjacent to the beach.