Highway 138 is nicknamed “Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls” where more than a dozen unique and majestic waterfalls are just waiting to be explored. In addition to the falls along Highway 138 , there are many more beautiful waterfalls in the Umpqua Valley to discover. Early summer is the perfect time to make the hike to the waterfalls as the water flow is still substantial and the weather is warmer.
North Umpqua Corridor Waterfalls
Along the North Umpqua River there’s over a dozen waterfalls to be found, many are right off the road or only require a short hike to get to.
Deadline Falls
Just east of Glide is the first waterfall, Deadline Falls. What the falls lack in height, they gain in sheer strength. Deadline Falls is known as a block waterfall, meaning the water descends from a relatively wide river. Between May and October, visitors can witness steelhead and salmon go up against the powerful waters in their spawning trip from the ocean to the tributary waters of the Cascade Mountains.
Susan Creek Falls
Wedged between rock cliffs blanketed in green and laced with history is Susan Creek Falls. The fan waterfall spreads its wispy waters as it descends 50 feet to the ground below. A relatively easy .8-mile hike.
Fall Creek Falls
Spraying over stacks of rocks is Fall Creek Falls, a tier waterfall with heights of 35 and 50 feet. The white waters drop nearly 120 feet over a series of four tiers into a cool and calm pool — a great swimming hole in the summer. The hike in is moderate-easy, making it a great hike if you have kids.
Little Falls
Located on Steamboat Creek and visible from the road, are the small, but thundering waters of Little Falls. The 10-foot segmented falls goes separate ways crashing over boulders into a series of deep pools.
Steamboat Falls
The pristine waters of Steamboat Falls dance over a rock bench in Steamboat Creek. The 20-foot block falls boasts a fairly impressive runoff in the winter due to the large drainage basin of Steamboat Creek and in the warmer months from May to July visitors may see steelhead attempting to jump falls adjacent to the fish ladder. The falls are visible from the Steamboat Falls Campground.
Toketee Falls
“Toketee” in the Chinook language means “pretty” or “graceful” and is the perfect word to describe this gorgeous tiered waterfall. Toketee Falls is one of the most popular falls to visit in Oregon with 120 feet in height and a 40-foot upper tiered fall pouring itself into a pool and then descending a final 80 feet into the lower pool. Hike the .4-mile trail thick with old-growth trees and find this hidden gem cascading over a unique volcanic basalt formation.
Watson Falls
As the highest waterfall in Southern Oregon, Watson Falls dives more than 272 feet over the steep cliff made of basalt lava flow and wears a skirt of vibrant mossy greens. The plunge waterfall is visible from the parking area, as well as from a .4-mile moderate hike featuring a bridge with excellent scenic views.
Whitehorse Falls
As a must-see feature of the majestic Clearwater River, Whitehorse Falls is a 15-foot plunging punchbowl waterfall located adjacent to Whitehorse Falls Campground.
Clearwater Falls Clearwater Falls is a segmented waterfall tumbling down large boulders, rocks and logs. The 30-foot vision is an easy walk up the Clearwater River and is adjacent to Clearwater Falls Campground.
Lemolo Falls
This “wild” horsetail waterfall is a must-see if you can hike. With a name meaning “wild” or “untamed” in the Chinook language, it is also the pinnacle making up the nickname “Thundering Waters of the Umpqua.” Lemolo Falls plunges 102 feet into a pool and features two challenging hiking trails, one 1.7 miles and the other 1.5 miles.
Warm Spring Falls
Columns of volcanic basalt frame this block waterfall which pours 70 feet before reaching a pool below. The easy .3-mile trail ends above the falls making for a great view.
Little River Waterfalls
In addition to all the waterfalls along the North Umpqua there’s more stunning waterfalls nearby along the drive up Little River Road, located near Glide, Oregon.
Wolf Creek Falls
This moderate hike is fairly close to town, taking only roughly 40 minutes to drive to. The trailhead is right off the road and features a bridge crossing Little River. The waterfall at the end of the trail is a cascading waterfall that flows down a bedrock wall.
Grotto Falls
Off the main road a ways, follow a windy gravel road up into the hills to find the trailhead. The trail itself is a short hike to a waterfall where the trail leads you right behind the waterfall.
Yakso Falls
Further up Little River Road you’ll eventually reach Lake in the Woods Campground. The trail is moderately easy trail perfect for a family outdoor activity. Yakso Falls cascades into a deep dark pool.
Hemlock Falls
Right next to Yakso Falls and Lake in the Woods Campground is Hemlock Falls trailhead. The trail is short but steep, so it may not be the best for little ones. Though the falls at the end are located in a narrow canyon, making it seem like your own private waterfall.
Shadow Falls
This falls is a slight detour from Little River, but you follow certain backroads that follow Cavitt Creek you’ll make your way to Shadow Falls. It’s a unique waterfall where certain rock formations actually block the view of the falls, masking it and making the falls look uniquely interesting.
These are just some of the more popular waterfalls in the area. Maybe you’ll spot some other waterfalls in the area. Follow the links below for more information about the waterfalls in the Umpqua Valley.
View the map and more information here: fs.usda.gov/detail/umpqua/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5374247
