Elowah Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elowah Falls |
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Elowah Falls in the spring
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| Location | Columbia River Gorge |
| Coordinates | 45°37′06″N 121°58′01″W / 45.61829°N 121.96701°W |
| Type | Plunge |
| Elevation | 384 ft (117 m) |
| Total height | 213 ft (65 m) |
| Average flow rate |
75 cu ft/s (2.1 m3/s) |
Elowah Falls, also known as McCord Creek Falls, is a beautiful 213-foot waterfall. It is located in the amazing Columbia River Gorge in Multnomah County, Oregon, United States. This waterfall is one of many found along McCord Creek. The creek and the waterfall are part of the John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor, a protected natural area.
For a long time, the waterfall was called McCord Falls, just like the creek it comes from. But in 1915, a group of mountain climbers and outdoor lovers called the Mazamas worked to change its name. They successfully had it renamed Elowah. The exact meaning of the word "Elowah" is still a mystery today.
What Makes Elowah Falls Special?
Elowah Falls is a type of waterfall called a plunge waterfall. This means the water falls straight down without touching the rock face behind it. It's like a giant sheet of water dropping into a pool below.
How the Waterfall Was Formed
The waterfall forms where McCord Creek flows into a very narrow space. This space is surrounded by tall, steep cliffs. The water shoots out with a lot of speed into a natural bowl-shaped area. This area is made of layers of a dark rock called basalt. Basalt is a common type of volcanic rock. It forms when lava cools down quickly.
Plants and Life Around the Falls
The area around Elowah Falls is very damp and green. You will see lots of lichens and mosses growing there. Lichens are like a mix of fungus and algae living together. Mosses are small, soft green plants that love wet places. They cover a huge amount of the ground around the waterfall. In fact, they cover up to 80% of the ground under and around other plants. This makes the area look very lush and ancient.
