Frustration Falls, Waterfall on the Salmon River in Mount Hood National Forest, Clackamas County, Oregon, US

Frustration Falls is a tiered waterfall with three distinct drops flowing along the Salmon River through old-growth forest of Douglas fir and western hemlock. The falls sit at roughly 2,100 feet elevation where the river carves through a steep canyon surrounded by dense woodland.

Frustration Falls lies on the Salmon River in the south skirt of Mount Hood National Forest, in Clackamas County, Oregon. The surrounding forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock, red cedar, bigleaf maple, red alder and black cottonwood lines the river and its trail. The approach follows the Salmon River south from Welches on U.S. Route 26, passing the Green Canyon, Rolling Riffle and Bighorn campgrounds before Final Falls and then Frustration Falls.

The trail to the falls passes three campgrounds: Green Canyon, Rolling Riffle and Bighorn. Rolling Riffle is described as historic, a reminder that the Salmon River corridor was walked and camped long before it became a day-hike route. Hikers still use these clearings as stops on the seven-mile approach.

The hike begins at a trailhead in Welches off U.S. Route 26 and runs south along the Salmon River for about 7 mi (11 km). Landmarks in order are Green Canyon Campground with a working restroom, a wooden bridge over the river, Rolling Riffle Campground, Bighorn Campground, then Final Falls a half mile before Frustration Falls. The route needs skill; follow safe waterfall hiking rules.

Frustration Falls is one of five waterfalls within a mile of each other on the Salmon River: Final Falls, Vanishing Falls, Little Niagara Falls and Copper Creek Falls are all nearby, while Hideaway Falls, Split Falls and Stein Falls lie about two miles away. The falls drop in three sections over dark rock into a basin of loose stones and boulders.