WATERFALLS

Southern Oregon Guide

NORTH UMPQUA RIVER AREA
From Roseburg/Glide along Umpqua Hwy 138. Other areas are listed throughout this page.

waterfall

Fall Creek Falls
Elevation: 1361 feet
Latitude: 43.31889 N
Longitude: 122.83972W
USGS  Mace Mt. 7 1/2"
Height: 120' Width: 15'
Type: Tiered 3 drops
Stream: Fall Creek
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: Spring

Facilities
 
Waterfall Access closed

Information
Fall Creek Falls is one of the more accessible waterfalls in the North Umpqua corridor. Dropping about 120 feet over 4 tiers, the falls spray into a small amphitheater before cascading down through a very scenic gorge to the Umpqua. The falls consist of four tiers, of approximately 10, 40, 20 and 50 feet - with the uppermost tier only being visible from the top of the falls. The falls were apparently measured by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Service at 197 feet tall, however that appears to be a significant overestimate.

Location
Fall Creek Falls is located east of Glide along the North Umpqua Highway. From Glide, head east to milepost 32 and the well signed Fall Creek picnic area and trailhead. The trail winds an easy 3/4 mile to the falls, passing several pretty cascades and a rock outcrop known as Jobs Garden. The falls can also be accessed from FR 4710.

NOTE This Fall trail is closed due to damage from the Archie Creek Fire. Trail reopening are unknown at this time.
We would appreciate anyone letting us know when it re-opens so we can repost info.

Photo/Info: Permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Susan Creek Falls
Elevation: 1084 feet
Latitude: 43.305 N
Longitude: 123.00158W
USGS: Old Fairview 71/2
Height: 35' Width: 10'
Falls Type:Unknown
Source: Unknown
Stream: Susan Creek
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: Spring

Facilities

Waterfall Access closed

Information
Photo shows Susan Creek Falls from the footbridge. Susan Creek Falls is a pretty, but fairly lackluster 35 foot veil along the waterfall-studded Umpqua River corridor. The falls are accessed via a very easy, well graded trail developed and maintained by the Oregon BLM. The falls face south and will see best lighting in the morning and evening. Picnic tables are provided below the falls for a nice afternoon destination for a family outing. For serious waterfall hunters, I would definitely suggest dropping this one down the priority list a few notches in lieu of the much better waterfalls further into the mountains.

Location
Susan Creek Falls is located 12 miles east of Glide along the North Umpqua Highway (SR 138). The parking area is signed, and the trail is graded evenly enough that it should be accessible to the disabled with the stamina to make it the 3/4 mile to the falls.

NOTE This Fall trail is closed due to damage from the Archie Creek Fire. Trail reopening are unknown at this time.
We would appreciate anyone letting us know when it re-opens so we can repost info.

Photo/Info: Permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Toketee Falls
Elevation: 2329 feet
Latitude: 43.26306 N
Longitude: 122.43333 W
USGS: Toketee Falls 71/2
Height: 113' Width: 10'
Type: Tiered- 2 Drops
Source: Springs
Stream: North Umpqua R.
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: Year Round

Facilities

Information
Toketee Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in all of Oregon, renowned far and wide for the graceful columnar basalt formation framing the two-stepped falls. The North Umpqua River has carved a sinuous gorge out of the lava flow, resulting in a waterfall of 113 feet in height - a 28 foot upper tier which plunges into a pool flanked by a deep alcove, followed by an 85 foot plunge into a large pool. At the trailhead, the wooden 12 foot diameter Toketee Pipeline is passed, which diverts much of the volume of the North Umpqua River to a powerhouse downstream. This artificial taming of the river allows the waterfall to flow in an extremely consistent manor all year long. Toketee Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in southern Oregon due to its ease of access.
 
"Toketee" is a Chinook word meaning Graceful. The irony in this choice of names continues to baffle me - the falls were named long before the hydroelectric system was in place, and the full volume of water of the North Umpqua River was allowed to flow over the falls in a much less graceful and much more explosive manor.

Location
The Toketee Falls trailhead can be found 1/2 mile north of Highway 138 near Toketee Lake, itself about 43 miles east of Glide or 16 miles west of Diamond Lake. Simply watch for the road signs. The trail leading to the viewpoint is about 1/3 of a mile in length and while it is not designed for the disabled, it is well graded and easy to travel.

Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Watson Falls
Elevation: 3214 feet
Latitude: 43.24167 N
Longitude: 122.39083W
USGS Fish Crk Desert"
Height: 302' Width: 20'
Type: Plunge- 1 drop
Stream: Watson Creek
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: Spring

Facilities
 

Information
Watson Falls is arguably the best waterfall in the North Umpqua River basin. The falls hurtle over a cathedral amphitheater wall of basalt, crashing into a long talus slope covered in moss and vine maple. The falls plunge over enough of an overhang that occasional gusts of wind can toss the water sideways or upwards in rare cases (usually later in the summer when there is less water in the creek). Watson Falls is often referred to as dropping 272 feet and being the 3rd tallest waterfall in Oregon. I measured the falls in 2009 to stand 302 feet tall. This still doesn't push it to the position of 3rd tallest in Oregon, but it is certainly worthy of the attention of any waterfall aficionado. Watson Falls is a favorite location for photographers looking for intimate water-scapes.
 
The origin of the name of the creek is unknown. Watson Mountain in the Glide area was named for a James Watson, who settled on the banks of Fall Creek near Glide in 1854. The name may have been carried over for the same individual. Watson Falls was likely named for the creek.

Location
Watson Falls can be found along Fish Creek Road #37, just over 2 miles east of Toketee Falls and Lake, itself about 43 miles east of Glide or 16 miles west of Diamond Lake. The parking area is 1/5 of a mile south of Highway 138 on the right side. The trail crosses Road 37 and climbs easily but steadily up to the base of the falls in about 1/3 mile.

Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Whitehorse Falls
Elevation: 3681 feet
Latitude: 43.24778 N
Longitude: 122.305 W
USGS: Garwood Butte
Height: 14' Width: 10'
Type: Punchbowl
Source: Springs
Stream: Clearwater River
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: All Year

Facilities
*Roadside access

Information
Whitehorse Falls is the smaller but arguably prettier of the two named waterfalls along the Clearwater River. The falls occur where the river sluices through a narrow trough in rhyolitic bedrock and suddenly crashes 14 feet over a wall into a large pool below. Though the falls are located several miles downstream of Clearwater Falls, there is often less water present in Whitehorse Falls due to the integration of the river in the North Umpqua Hydroelectric system. The flow is consistent all year long, just not in tune with its natural levels nearly as much as it should be. When I visited the falls most recently in 2007, it appeared the Forest Service was rebuilding the viewpoint to be wheelchair accessible.
 
Whitehorse is a fairly straightforward waterfall to photograph, in more senses than one. Most people will aim down and focus on the falls and the pool, but the trees around the falls are equally impressive and vertical compositions to accentuate the trees work equally well, if not better. The falls face west and are in a heavily forested area. Mid day will yield bad contrast but late afternoon or early morning won't present problems.

Location
Whitehorse Falls are situated within the Whitehorse Falls Campground, located 4 1/2 miles east of Tokatee Lake (or 63 1/2 miles east of Roseburg) along Highway 138. The parking area is encountered before the campground and the falls are visible immediately adjacent.

Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Lemolo Falls
Elevation: 3708 feet
Latitude: 43.34566 N
Longitude: 122.22002W
USGS  Lemolo Lake
Height: 165' Width: 25'
Type: Horsetail-1 Drop
Source: Springs
Stream: North Umpqua R.
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: All Year

Facilities
 

Information
Lemolo Falls is both the tallest and most powerful waterfall along the North Umpqua River. Here the river breaks over a contorted cliff of columnar basalt and plummets 165 feet into a large pool. The falls have been described as a raucous monster - its name even adding to that reputation - yet Lemolo Falls is actually one of the most consistent waterfalls in Oregon. The Lemolo Lake Dam a few mile upstream draws off the vast majority of the North Umpqua River but allows a fixed amount of water to flow over the falls at all times. The only time when the river is allowed to flow freely is at the peak of snowmelt when the diversion channels are maxed out and when the lake is drawn down. It is an impressive waterfall to see at high water - the entire cliff turning into a wall of explosive spray some 60 feet wide - but even under standard conditions, this is still a very impressive waterfall. The Forest Service cites the falls as being 102 feet tall in places, however the 1998 USGS Lemolo Lake quadrangle clearly marks this waterfall as dropping 165 feet and I'm much more inclined to believe that figure.

Lemolo is a Chinook Jargon word meaning "wild" or "untamed", which has its origins in the French "le moron", which itself is a bastardization of "marron", which refers to a runaway black slave.

Location
Lemolo Falls is located near Lemolo and Diamond Lakes in the Umpqua National Forest. Depart Highway 138 eleven miles east of Toketee at FR 2610, marked for Lemolo Lake. Follow Road 2610 for 4 1/4 miles and turn left onto Thorn Prairie Road # 3401. Follow 3401 for 1/2 mile to Road 3401-800 (a small sign reads just "800"), and a sign pointing towards Lemolo Falls. Follow 800 for 1 3/4 miles to road # 3401-840 (again, signed just "840"), also marked for Lemolo Falls. Proceed to this road's end in 1/4 mile. Lemolo Falls trail # 1468 takes off downhill, following part of an old road to the old trailhead and picnic area in 1/3 mile. The falls are reached 1 mile from the trailhead.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Warm Springs Falls
Elevation: 3501 feet
Latitude: 43.35773 N
Lng: 122.24339 W
USGS: Lemolo Lake
Height: 60' Width: 35'
Type: Curtain- 1 Drop
Source: Springs
Stream: Warm Springs Ck
Watershed: Umpqua River
Best Flows: Year Round

Facilities

*Viewpoint

Information
Warm Springs Falls is a remarkably consistent 60 foot waterfall where its namesake creek thunders over a columnar basalt formation into a mossy amphitheater below. We are unaware of the stature of the springs which feed the creek. We have heard they installed a viewing deck as well as upgrade the trail to allow wheelchair access (please verify). The Warm Springs Falls Trail has the added bonus of being lined with lots of wild Rhododendron, usually blooming in June and early July.

Location
Warm Springs Falls is located near Lemolo and Diamond Lakes in the Umpqua National Forest. Depart Highway 138 eleven miles east of Toketee at FR 2610, marked for Lemolo Lake. Follow Road 2610 for 5.2 miles, crossing the Lemolo Dam along the way, and turn left on Road 600. Drive for 3 miles to Road 680 and turn left. Proceed down this route for 1.7 miles to the Warm Springs Falls Trail #1499. With the redevelopment in 2007, the falls to should be signed. The trail leads to the viewpoint in 1/3 mile.

Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Steamboat Falls
Elevation: 1427 feet
Latitude: 43.37366N
Lng: 122.64068W
USGS: Steamboat
Height: 20' Width: 35'
Type: Block- 1 Drop
Stream: Steamboat Ck.
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: Spring
*Swimming, Boating.
Facilities

Information
Steamboat Creek curtains over a wide bench into a calm pool. In the winter the 20 foot falls are rather impressive thanks to the large drainage basin of Steamboat Creek, but the low elevation limits the high flow to only the wettest months, and by May the falls are a shadow of their former self. This would be a slightly more impressive attraction in the summer if a fish ladder, which draws off a majority of the creek, weren't constructed next to the falls. All around the falls are exposed rock slabs, which are very popular for cliff jumping and sunbathing. However, people seem to easily become unaware of the dangers of waterfalls. I witnessed several people fording the creek immediately above the brink of the falls, a fall from which could be fatal. If you feel the need to explore the streambed above the falls, please cross the creek well above the falls.
 
The name of Steamboat Creek stems from a phrase from the heyday of mining in the area. When a mine was spent or a claim turned out to have been less productive than expected, one was "steamboated". The falls were presumably named after the creek.

Location
Drive east from Roseburg along Highway 138 for 38.5 miles to the signed Steamboat Creek Road #38 and turn left. Follow Road 38 for 5.3 miles, and turn right onto Road # 3810, signed for Steamboat Falls and campground. Follow this road for .6 mile to the campground, and enter. Park around site number 5. The falls are visible from the fenced overlook a mere 50 feet from the parking area.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Clearwater Falls
Elevation: 4120 feet
Latitude: 43.24889 N
Lng: 122.22778 W
USGS: Diamond Lake
Height: 29' Width: 35'
Type: Segmented
Source: Springs
Stream: Clearwater R.
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: All Year

*Roadside Access

Information
High up in the Umpqua River drainage, the spring fed Clearwater River bubbles out of the ground and starts flowing through placid pools and never ending logjams. The first real interruption in the course of the Clearwater is this exceptionally scenic but not terribly impressive 29 foot cascade. The ground around the falls is permeated with soft soil and thousands of intertwined roots, allowing the river to seep in and out of the ground at will. The result is a waterfall that appears to be springing from the ground. While there is only about 10 feet of legitimate vertical waterfall here, this is one of the few cases where we bend the rules to allow the mossy cascades below the falls to be included as part of the falls, largely because the river is dead calm both above and below, and it is easy to identify where the falls begin and end. As mentioned, the Clearwater River is spring fed, and is one of the most consistent streams in the northwest in terms of flow, so visiting any time of the year will yield more or less the same results.

Location
Situated within the Clearwater Falls Campground, located 8 miles east of Toketee Lake (or 67 miles east of Roseburg) along Highway 138. The falls are about 100 feet away from the parking area.
Photo/Info: Permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Deadline Falls
Elevation: 801
Latitude: 43.33017 N
Longitude: 123.00158W
USGS: Glide 7 1/2"
Height: 12' Width: 75'
Falls Type: Block
Source: Springs
Stream: North Umpqua R.
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: All Year

Facilities

 

Information
Photo shows Deadline Falls just off the North Umpqua Trail. Although the largest of the small cascades, it really doesn't compare in size to other falls in the area. It is where the North Umpqua River cascades over smaller outcrops of the basalt riverbed. Deadline Falls is one of the best places in Oregon to photograph fish large Salmon leaping the falls as they migrate upstream from May to October. The falls face west and have a broad exposure, so sunlight will light the scene fairly evenly, where the North Umpqua River cascades over smaller outcrops of the basalt riverbed.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

LITTLE RIVER AREA
Heading South from Glide to Little River & Cavitt Creek.

waterfall

Shadow Falls
Elevation: 2183 feet
Latitude: 43.15218 N
Longitude: 122.9499 W
USGS: Red Butte 7 1/2"
Height: 75' Width: 5'
Type: Tiered- 3 Drops
Stream: Cavitt Creek
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: Spring

Facilities

Information
Shadow Falls is a rather aptly named waterfall along Cavitt Creek in the Umpqua National Forest. Cavitt Creek funnels down a narrow gorge where the creek has scoured several potholes in the bedrock, twisting into a narrow chasm with a pool at the bottom. The rock has been scoured such that it appears the falls drop through a hole in the rock when viewing from certain angles (there doesn't actually appear to be a hole).
 
The falls have been fairly well known for quite some time, but it isn't known when they were discovered (likely by loggers). The name stems from the dark chasm the falls drop into, rarely receiving direct sunlight.

Location
Shadow Falls is located in the Umpqua National Forest south of Glide. From the town of Glide along Highway 138, follow the Little River Road for 6 1/2 miles to Cavitt Creek Road, turn right and proceed another 8 miles to the parking area on the right. The trail drops gradually down to Cavitt Creek and reaches the falls in a mile.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Grotto Falls
Elevation: 3136 feet
Latitude: 43.25026 N
Longitude: 122.82118 W
USGS Quadrangle: Mace Mountain 7 1/2"
Height: 80' Width: 20'
Type: Plunge- 1 Drop
Stream: Unnamed
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: Spring

Facilities

Information
Grotto Falls is one of the more well known waterfalls in the Umpqua River watershed. The falls plunge 80 feet in two segments over a deeply undercut cliff within a dark recess which gives the falls its name. The cliff behind the falls is punctuated by a series of small caves at its base. The creek can range from a small trickle to a small river after heavy snowmelt, in which case the falls may take on the characteristics of a 'Curtain' type waterfall.
 
Grotto Falls was named for the deeply undercut cliffs and the dark recess where the falls are located. The stream is a tributary of Emile Creek and is often referred to as being on Emile Creek itself. Emile Creek was named for Emile Shivigny, a French settler who homesteaded in the area in 1875.

Location
Drive east from Roseburg to the small town of Glide, and turn south on the signed Little River Road. Follow the Little River Road for 16 miles to signed Road # 2703, and turn left. Follow Road 2703, which is generously covered with washboard, for 4.4 miles to Road 2703-150 (signed for Grotto Falls), turn left again and follow for another 2.2 miles to the trailhead just beyond the concrete bridge over Emile Creek (note - there is no sign with "Grotto Falls" labeled, but there is a trailhead sign). Follow the easy trail up a few switchbacks to the falls in 1/3 mile.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Wolf Creek Falls
Elevation: 1300 feet
Latitude: 43.21828
Longitude: 122.94758W
USGS: Red Butte 7 1/2"
Height: 125' Width: 25'.
Type: Tiered- 2 Drops
Stream: Wolf Creek
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: Unknown

Facilities

Information
During the rainy season of winter and early spring, the massive upper Wolf Creek Falls puts on a display of strength and power. Spring brings on lush vegetation and vibrant colors for photographers. Spring and early fall, with a light overcast, are considered the best weather conditions for taking memorable photos. The reduced water flows in the summer months reveal the delicate and complex channels and pathways that water has carved into the bedrock cliffs underneath Wolf Creek Falls. Trail length: 1.2 miles.

Location
The trailhead is located 10.7 miles up Little River Road (County Road 17) which starts from Highway 138 in Glide, Oregon. There is Arch bridge over Little River at beginning of trail to falls. A restroom and additional parking are across the road.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Yakso Falls
Elevation: 3102 feet
Latitude: 43.22453 N
Longitude: 122.71536W
USGS: Quartz Mountain
Height: 50' Width: 25'
Type: Fan - 1 Drop
Stream: Little River
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: All Year

Facilities

Information
This fine example of a classic 'Fan' form waterfalls is yet more proof than while Oregon may not have some of the tallest waterfalls in the country, it houses some of the prettiest. The infant stretches of the Little River (truly living up to it's name at this point) plummets over protruding bulbous rocks, spreading the water outwards into a small deep green pool. Because of the way the water is dispersed by the rocks, the falls look drastically different from different angles. I recommend visiting this waterfall later in the year, one because it's a much prettier photography subject in periods of lower discharge, and two, when the river is higher, it may not be possible to move around on the rocky beach at the falls' base without getting wet during the spring melt.

Yakso is a Chinook Jargon word meaning "hair". A rather fitting name for this waterfall.

Location
Drive east from Roseburg to the small town of Glide, and turn south on the signed Little River Road. Follow the Little River Road for 25.8 miles to the signed Lake-in-the-Woods campground. The trailhead for Yakso Falls lies directly across the street from the entrance, park in the campground or along the road. Follow the trail, which winds amongst towering Evergreens, lacy Vine Maples and wild Rhododendrons, to the base of the falls in 7/10 mile.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Hemlock Falls
Elevation: 2797 feet
Latitude: 43.21623 N
Longitude: 122.72866W
USGS  Quartz Mountain
Height: 45 feet
Width: 5 feet
Type: Horsetail
Source: Lake
Stream: Hemlock Creek
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: Spring

Facilities

Information
Hemlock Creek crashes and twists about 45 feet down a rugged chasm and into a gorge covered with mosses, ferns, bushes and trees. The greenery surrounding the falls is nearly as impressive as the falls themselves. The gorge below the falls also seems to be a magnet for fallen trees, as there are several lying directly in front of the falls, and uncountable numbers below the falls (though they add to the character of the area). Though the falls are certainly a notable feature in the area, it surprised me to learn that there is a waterfall of at least twice this size not too far upstream that doesn't sport a name, despite its superior stature. The Hemlock Falls trail leaves from the Lake-in-the-Woods campground, who's namesake lake has an interesting back story. The area the lake encompasses was formerly a small pasture, which was filled when a nearby stream was diverted, and used as a watering hole for passing pack trains. Fortunately, this had no impact on Hemlock Creek or it's falls.

Location
Drive east from Roseburg to the small town of Glide, and turn south on the signed Little River Road. Follow the Little River Road for 25.8 miles to the signed Lake-in-the-Woods campground. The trailhead lies about 1/3 of the way around the lake (marked by a generic hiking trail sign). The wide, well graded, but steep trail leads down to the base of the falls in 1/2 mile.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Cavitt Falls
Elevation: 1051 feet
Latitude: 43.19978 N
Lng: 123.02177 W
USGS: Lane Mountain
Height: 8' Width: 15'
Type: Cascade-1 Drop
Stream: Cavitt Creek
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows:  Spring
* Easy Access
Facilities

Information
Cavitt Falls is modest little cascade along Cavitt Creek located within a BLM campground near Glide. The falls consist or one or two channels depending on how much water is in the creek, and drops all of about 8 feet into a large pool (great swimming). I'm fairly certain there are probably half a dozen or more larger waterfalls elsewhere on Cavitt Creek that would be more interesting. Bottom line is this one is of minimal interest outside of having a great swimming hole.
 
Away from the busier North Umpqua corridor, Cavitt Creek Falls Recreation Site is a favorite of the locals. This 10 site campground is surrounded by a forest of fir, maple, and oak trees. A popular day-use area with a large swimming hole sits at the base of a 6-foot waterfall on Cavitt Creek and is a welcome highlight on a hot day. Trout fishing is open from May 22 - Sept 15 on Cavitt Creek and nearby Little River with artificial flies and lures only. There is a campground host on site I believe small fees may imply. Firewood is available for $5 a bundle. Dogs are allowed on a 6 foot leash in the campground, but are not allowed in the day-use area or swimming hole.

Location
In the town of Glide, turn south off of Highway 138 on the Little River Road and follow it for just over 6 1/2 miles to Cavitt Creek Road (Newbridge Road works too, as they both merge). The Cavitt Falls Campground can be found another 3 1/2 miles down Cavitt Creek Road. The falls are found at the bottom of a set of stairs from the day use area.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

SOUTH UMPQUA RIVER AREA
From South Umpqua River Heading South to Tiller.

waterfall

Campbell Falls
Elevation: 1425 feet
Latitude: 43.0523 N
Longitude: 122.77073W
USGS: Dumont Creek
Height: ?  Width: ?
Falls Type: ?
Stream: Umpqua River
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: ?

Facilities
???

Information
We do not have ay general information at this time. If you do, let us know! See "Add More Info" at bottom of page.

Location
South Umpqua Rd, Nat For Dev Rd 28 Trail# 1587. There is a sign on the road that says Campbell Falls. The trailhead is located at a turnout in the road. The trail is fairly short maybe .25 of a mile and would probably be between an easy and a moderate hike. In August, there was lots of poison oak along the outside of the trail so be careful. Trail# 1587
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

South Umpqua Falls
Elevation: 1644 feet
Latitude: 43.05444 N
Longitude: 122.68611 W
USGS: Acker Rock 7 1/2"
Height:?  Width: ?
Falls Type: Cascade
Stream: S Umpqua River
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: ?
* Easy Access
Facilities

Information
This falls results in a unique formation on the South Umpqua River, where shallow water flows over a wide slab of bedrock and plunges 15 feet into a deep pool. An observation deck overlooks the falls and a fish passage ladder. Trespassing on the fish ladder is prohibited by state law. The picnic area is popular during the summer and is managed as an �alcohol free� recreation site.

Location
Take I-5 to Canyonville (Exit 98), and County Road 1 east 26 miles to Tiller. At Tiller, take County Road 46, which becomes South Umpqua Road 28, for a total of 21 miles to the South Umpqua Falls Picnic Area.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Deer Lick Falls
Elevation: 2279 feet
Latitude: 43.1275 N
Longitude: 122.58389W
USGS  Twin Lakes Mt.
Height: ?  Width: ?
Falls Type: ?
Stream: South Umpqua R.
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: ?
Type of Access: ?

Information
We do not have ay general information at this time. If you do, let us know! See "Add More Info" at bottom of page.

Location Looking for directions, see map.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Cathedral Falls
Elevation: 1241 feet
Latitude: 42.96437 N
Longitude: 122.89311W
USGS: Tiller 7 1/2"
Height: ?  Width: ?
Falls Type: ?
Stream: ?
Watershed: Umpqua R.
Best Flows: ?

Information
We do not have ay general information at this time. If you do, let us know! See "Add More Info" at bottom of page.

Location Looking for directions, see map.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

HWY 230 AREA
South of Diamond Lake to Hwy 230 heading south.

waterfall

Ruth Falls
Elevation: 4836 feet
Latitude: 43.08468 N
Longitude: 122.25459W
USGS: Hamaker Butte
Height: 30' Width: 15'
Type: Horsetail
Source: Springs
Stream: Rogue River
Watershed: Rogue River
Best Flows: All Year

Access Note:
* Bushwack
* Discouraged Access

Information
Ruth Falls is the first waterfall one passes along the Rogue River Trail when traveling downstream from the Mazama trailhead. However, because of the shape of the canyon and several stands of trees growing mid-slope, the falls are almost entirely obscured from the trail and are not easily seen at all. That said, Ruth Falls appears to be one of the taller waterfalls in this stretch of the river, dropping a clean 30 feet over a mossy outcropping. The only viewpoint of the falls that could be found from above requires descending about 50 vertical feet into the canyon among crumbly ash slopes with steep vertical drops immediately below, and it is not recommended that this be attempted.

Location
Ruth Falls is located approximately 2 1/2 miles west of the uppermost trailhead of the Rogue River Trail at the Mazama viewpoint along Highway 230. It is possible to cut the walking time in half, however, by driving about 1 1/2 miles west from the Mazama trailhead, parking alongside the highway, and walking through the woods to intersect the Rogue River trail, then hiking about a mile east to where the falls are audible. Again, we don't recommend attempting to view the falls from anywhere but on the trail, because the slopes of the canyon are extremely unstable.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Cascade Creek Falls
Elevation: 4865 feet
Latitude: 43.08806 N
Longitude: 122.25722W
USGS: Hamaker Butte
Height: 75' Width: 3'
Falls Type: Horsetail
Source: Springs
Stream: Cascade Creek
Watershed: Rogue River
Best Flows: Spring

Facilities

Information
Cascade Creek is a tiny tributary of the upper Rogue River near Crater Lake in southern Oregon. The creek heads in a small spring located just below the Rogue River trail and flows for about a half mile before gliding about 75 feet down the side of an impressively expansive canyon cut in the Mazama Ash formation - a reminder of the areas volcanically violent past. The canyon as a whole is almost otherworldly with some very interesting compositions available in the area. Scouring in the streambed seems to indicate the creek can move a bit of water during peak snowmelt, but when the melt has finished, the creek appears to be fed fairly consistently by the small spring. No reason to think it dries out at any time during the year.

Location
Cascade Creek Falls is located approximately 2 3/4 miles west of the uppermost trailhead of the Rogue River Trail at the Mazama viewpoint along Highway 230. It is possible to cut the walking time in half, however, by driving about 1 1/2 miles west from the Mazama trailhead, parking alongside the highway, and walking through the woods to intersect the Rogue River trail, then hiking about 3/4 of a mile east to where the falls are visible. Best views of the falls require walking along the canyon rim about 200 feet past where the trail turns south.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

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Rough Rider Falls
Elevation: 4399 feet
Latitude: 43.08608 N
Longitude: 122.29045 W
USGS: Hamaker Butte
Height: 30' Width: 10'
Falls Type: Cascade
Source: Springs
Stream: Rogue River
Watershed: Rogue River
Best Flows: All Year

Facilities

Information
ROUGH RIDER FALLS is the Official name of this waterfall. Known Alternate Name is Upper Rogue Falls. Oregon's Rogue River contains perhaps more waterfalls than any other major river in the Pacific Northwest. Though it isn't the first fall of the Rogue, Rough Rider Falls is the first waterfall one encounters as they hike downstream along the Rogue River Trail. Here the river is pinched between the slowly crumbling and sliding walls of the canyon and tumbles about 30 feet - the first 20 in a vertical fall - into a very scenic glen seemingly overgrown in moss. The falls are easy to identify when coming from upstream - a sign tacked to a tree marks the falls by name - but those traveling from further down the river might wander off the trail to the base of the falls without knowing which of the several small waterfalls along this stretch of the Rogue has been found. The official trail doesn't go to the base of the falls, rather climbs up past it. Scrambling down to the river is easy, but the ground is steep in a few places and dunking a foot or two into the cold water is certainly a possibility.

Some confusion occurs over the placement of this waterfall. Greg Plumb's Waterfall Lovers Guide cites the fall as Upper Rogue Falls, but places it too far upstream (at the location of Rogue River Falls, inaccessible from the Rogue River Trail). The falls were named in reference to Teddy Roosevelt and has been in use for some time, but it is not known who chose the name or when it was first popularized.

Location
Rough Rider Falls is located approximately 5 1/3 miles west of the uppermost trailhead of the Rogue River Trail at the Mazama viewpoint along Highway 230. If the goal is seeing this waterfall itself, it is possible to cut the walking distance down to about a mile, however, by driving about 2 1/2 miles west from the Mazama trailhead, parking alongside the highway, and walking through the woods to intersect the Rogue River trail, then hiking about 1 mile west to where the falls are visible. We don't recommend using this tactic without a GPS to guide your traverse from the Highway to the trail, because even though the woods are quite open, its easy to lose track of where you started.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

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Muir Creek Falls
Elevation: 4037 feet
Latitude: 43.07417 N
Longitude:122.34389W
USGS Hamaker Butte
Height: ?
Width: ?
Falls Type: ?
Stream: Muir Creek
Watershed: Rogue R.
Best Flows: ?
Facilities ?

We do not have ay general information at this time. If you do, let us know! See "Add More Info" at bottom of page. Looking for directions, see map.

Photo by Fanice S.

waterfall

Alkali Falls
Elevation: 5008 feet
Latitude: 43.06856 N
Longitude: 122.36752 W
USGS: Hamaker Butte 7 1/2
Height: 560' Width: 5'
Type: Tiered- 6 Drops
Source: Springs
Stream: Alkali Creek
Watershed: Rogue River
Best Flows: Spring

Facilities

Information
Alkali Falls is a lofty series of cascades located northwest of Crater Lake. The falls twist down a long chute-like gully, descending about 560 feet in a run of about 1/10th of a mile. This makes Alkali Falls one of the 5 tallest waterfalls in Oregon, but due to the diminutive size of Alkali Creek, it isn't significant in any way. The first drop is a pretty veiling, almost vertical descent of about 130 feet. Shortly below, the creek drops 20 feet then turns almost 90 degrees and slides down a long incline for about 120 vertical feet. It then cascades through a short section of boulders, and enters more slides before ending in a small rocky basin. The Forest Service has a short trail developed to the base of the falls, but unfortunately, to see the better sections of the falls, hiking upstream alongside the falls is necessary. Maybe one day the trail will be extended.

ALKALI FALLS is the Official name of this waterfall. Known Alternate Name is: Alkali Creek Falls. Alkali Meadows was a popular sheepherders camp during the turn of the 20th century, many of the common occupants of which came from central Oregon where Alkali lakes are common. The name doesn't reflect the geology of the area, but rather is a homage to the history of man in the area. The falls were named for the creek.

Location
Alkali Falls are located about 6 miles northwest of Crater Lake National Park. From the intersection of Highways 62 and 230 in Union Creek, head north on Highway 230 to the second junction with FR 6540, approximately 1/4 mile north of Highway Falls. Follow 6540 for 1/2 mile. Turn right onto 6540-900. Turn left onto Road 6540-950 and follow it to its end (1 1/4 miles). The trail leads to the base of the falls in less than 1/10th of a mile. The upper sections of the falls can be best accessed by crossing the creek and scrambling upstream along the falls on the north bank.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

Highway Falls
Elevation: 3796 feet
Latitude: 43.03472 N
Longitude: 122.36667 W
USGS Hamaker Butte
Height: 10' Width: 50'
Falls Type: Cascade
Source: Springs
Stream: Rogue River
Watershed: Rogue River
Best Flows: All Year?

Facilities
* Roadside Access
* Easy Access

Information
Highway Falls is the most easily accessed of several small to modest waterfalls along the upper Rogue River in the vicinity of Crater Lake National Park. The falls occur where the river crashes over a wide extrusion of basalt about 10 feet tall, turning 90 degrees to its initial angle of flow after the fall. The cascade can be easily seen from Highway 230 and thusly enjoyed by all who pass by.
 
HIGHWAY FALLS is the Official name of this waterfall.  Known Alternate Name is: Lower Rogue Falls
The name of the falls stems from its adjacency to the sweeping bend in Highway 230 where the river kisses the road very briefly then bends away again.

Location
Highway Falls can be seen adjacent to Highway 230 approximately 5 3/4 miles north of the junction of Highways 230 and 62 in the town of Union Creek. The falls are also accessible from the opposite side of the river from the Rogue River trail.
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey

waterfall

National Creek Falls
Elevation: 3863 feet
Latitude: 43.03141 N
Longitude: 122.34466W
USGS Hamaker Butte
Height: 40' Width: 30'
Falls Type: ?
Source: Springs
Stream: National Creek
Watershed: Rogue River
Best Flows: Year Round

Facilities

Information
National Creek Falls is yet another among the long list of highly photogenic waterfalls in Oregon. The falls occur where the spring-fed creek diverges around a basalt outcropping and plunges about 40 feet over a jagged ledge in two scenic channels. The grotto below the falls is exceptionally scenic and thriving in greenery, with a small meadow of mosses growing on a flat area just downstream of the falls where Falls Creek merges with National Creek. The falls flow very consistently and are good to visit any time of the year.

NATIONAL CREEK FALLS is the Official name of this waterfall. The falls were named after the creek, but the origin of the name of the stream is not known (It may originate from the fact that the stream heads within Crater Lake National Park).

Location
National Creek Falls is located west of Crater Lake National Park off of Highway 230. The falls are reached by proceeding 5.8 miles north of the intersection of Highways 62 and 230 to FR 6530. Stay left at the major intersection and find the trailhead 3 1/2 miles from Highway 230. The trail drops down to the falls in just under 1/2 mile
Photo & Info used by permission of Northwest Waterfall Survey


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