Fall Creek Falls, North Umpqua OR
• 4-star hike
• 1 to 2 mile options
• Easy | Gain 290 to 340 feet
• Idleyld Park | Oregon
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A landscape transformed by the 2020 Archie Creek fire.
Charred Douglas-fir trunks stand as silent markers of the intensity of the 2020 Archie Creek wildfire, yet life persists along the path to Fall Creek Falls. Thanks to all the rebuilding efforts that have restored trail access to the waterfall, hiking the one-mile out-and-back trail to the base of the falls reveals a curious contrast between destruction and renewal. Lush understory vegetation and wildflowers bring the area back to life.
Fall Creek Falls is an impressive series of year-round cascades that plunge a total of over 300 feet. The falls that once flowed over green, moss-covered rock cliffs into a shaded hollow now cascade over a bleached rockface under full sun. However, a visit to the base of the lower falls offers the opportunity for a cooling wade in the waters while taking in the dramatic scenery.
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4★ Lower Falls Route
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX? |
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4★ Title
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions |
| P Free parking |
Hikers can continue further up the switchbacks to a second, intermediate viewpoint along the falls, which grants more varied views of both the falls and the creek’s canyon. The trail extends even further to the top of the falls, where it connects with a service road, but we found little to recommend up there.
We regard this trail as moderately easy, with some uneven ground. The hillside switchback trail between the lower and upper stages of the waterfall does get narrow at times. Trailhead parking is adjacent to the North Umpqua Highway and is free, but it only accommodates a few vehicles.
The North Umpqua Highway is a popular road trip route connecting the Oregon Coast, Interstate 5, and Crater Lake National Park, Following its namesake river deep into Cascadian forests, the many short waterfall hikes (and a hotsprings location) along the way help break up longer car journeys. We feature two very different waterfall hikes on our Trailspotting map—the second of which is Toketee Falls, linked at the foot of this article.
A little narrow at times, but a mostly easy trail.
Cool off in the waters at the base of the lower falls.
Looking back across the canyon from the top of the falls.
Tangents:
• AllTrails Public: Fall Creek Falls
• Trailspotting Nearby: 5★ Toketee Falls (1 mi)
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