Easy access 1/4 mile off of hwy 58 in Oregon. Walk no more than 200 feet from the car for a great, stunning view.
Easy access 1/4 mile off of hwy 58 in Oregon. Walk no more than 200 feet from the car for a great, stunning view.
R. V. Trip in the area and was told about the falls. Took the granddaughters for a look. We were not disappointed. Very beautiful. We did not hike to the bottom, but was told the very lower section of the trail had, had a rock slide. Still saw some people there.
Good for all ages.
After visiting Crater Lake, we were on our way to Eugene via US 97 and OR 58. We found this attraction by chance – a highway attraction sign.
Like some of Oregon’s state parks there is a nominal fee for using the park – basically a $5 vehicle charge for the day. However, on this day there were no envelopes to put money into so none of the vehicles paid.
The information board is by the parking lot. From the parking lot to the viewing area the walk isn’t more than 100 yards (meters) away. It is wheelchair accessible to the viewing area.
If you want a close up view of the Falls, there is some hiking involved but in my opinion fairly easy. To get a closer view, the walk from the top of the Falls viewing area to the “base” isn’t more than ¾ mile (1.2 kilometres). If you can normally walk a mile or two, you should not have a problem with the round trip trek.
It is mostly a compact dirt path – some stone steps, some parts with exposed tree roots and also a fallen tree across the path. As you get closer, you will feel the spray from the waterfall. Also, for the last 5 yards (meters) or so, you need to be careful as the footing maybe treacherous. If you feel apprehensive of going down all the way, the last few yards - don’t!
If you don't plan on doing any hiking, I would recommend spending a maximum of an hour at this attraction. As always, time was a limiting factor and we did not get a chance to stay longer including doing some hiking.
My rating is 3.75 out of 5 rating – a worthwhile stop.
Notes and Tips
• You can access the Diamond Creek Trailhead via the Salt Creek Fall observation deck. There is a relatively short hiking trail – 3.2 mile (5 kilometre) loop.
• There is a $5 vehicle charge for using the parking lot. Per the state park website it is a fee for day use and apparently you can use at any other park on the SAME day. Check Oregon State park website for additional information.
• Washroom facilities are available
• This was day 5 of our journey to Central Oregon and the Pacific Coast including Washington State. Our 8 day journey included Columbia River Gorge, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Smith Rock and Crater Lake.
• The 7 Wonders of Oregon is a tourism marketing strategy. The 7 wonders include Crater Lake, Painted Hills, Smith Rock, Wallowas, Mount Hood, Columbia River Gorge and the Oregon coast. More by coincidence than anything else, we visited 5 of the 7 wonders. See my reviews.
When traveling between Oakridge and #97 be sure and stop to see this wonderful falls.The falls are easy to access and the views are terrific. If you go halfway down the falls, the perspective is amazing. Great place to lunch,
One of my favorite falls in OR, so high and powerful. Definitely worth the drive over. Lower part of the hiking trail is currently closed.
A treasure so close to Eugene and Oakridge. I had been to the falls before in snow (also an amazing experience) but in summer they are also stunning. An amazing drop, moss growing on the rock face, a walking path with stunning views from many angles, plenty of parking and the option to walk down closer to the bottom of the waterfall. A must to visit.