Falls Creek Falls Trail

Trail
1.00 Mile
N/A
Free
4stars (4.00)1
4stars (4.00)
5stars (5.00)
N/A
N/A
N/A
No
Clearwater
Douglas
More Info
Photos
Upper Fall Creek Falls
The upper segment of Fall Creek Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Narrow passage
Coppertone at the trail's narrow passage between large boulders. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Looking back
Looking down to Fall Creek and the trail's switchbacks. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Falls Creek Falls
Coppertone looking towards Fall Creek Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
At the base
AustinExplorer at the base of Falls Creek Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Getting closer
Coppertone advances up the trail to get closer to the base of Fall Creek Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Fall Creek Falls
One of our first glimpses at the entirety of Fall Creek Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Fall Creek
Looking uphill at Fall Creek highlights the dead and blackened tree trunks and the new green growth underneath. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Bridge
This sturdy bridge marks the trailhead at Fall Creek Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)
Log Entries
A trail all to ourselves
By Austin Explorer on 6/6/2022
Rating: 4stars Difficulty: 4stars Solitude: 5stars
Distance: 2.88 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 47 minutes

Coppertone and I started our Oregon hiking adventure with a hike to Fall Creek Falls.  We had seen indications that trails in the area were to be reopened on June 1st but the parking area was still closed off for some reason.  We saw no sign at the trailhead indicating the trail was closed.

It was rainy yesterday so the trail was quite muddy in spots.  It was something we would encounter on several of our waterfall hikes through the week.

At one point the trail passes through an enormous boulder that has split into two chunks.  We passed through the slightly claustrophobic passage without difficulty.

The area obviously had suffered a great deal from recent fires that had devastated Oregon.  Blackened trees and fallen trunks made for a solemn path uphill despite there being obvious signs of renewal.  Workers have done a fine job clearing obstacles from the trail however.  At no point was the trail blocked in any way.

When approaching Fall Creek Falls the temperature drops and the crashing waters create a thunderous cacophony.  The trail continues from the falls base to a midsection with a wood railing overlook and then continues to the top of the falls where there is a bridge and National Forest road.

It is only here on the National Park road that we spot a sign that indicates the trail is closed.  This could help explain why we didn't see another soul on the trail during the entirety of our trip.

On the way back to our starting point we stop to observe an American Dipper parent feeding its young in a calm pool.  The parent repeatedly dove into the water to fetch a larva or some other small critter from the depths and then deliver it to the hungry chick twittering nearby.  It was quite entertaining to watch.

In the end we logged a bit less than 3 miles in less than 2 hours.  It looks like the trail repairs have gone well.

Recommended Item
Recommended Item 100 Hikes / Travel Guide: Southern Oregon & Northern California
William L. Sullivan
Your price: $18.95 Buy Now
The most reliable, detailed trail guide to Southern Oregon and adjacent Northern California now includes travel tips to towns, campgrounds, parks, museums, wildflowers, hot springs, fire lookouts, and quaint hotels, proving there's more to this scenic region than just Crater Lake, the Rogue River, and Mt. Shasta. The book describes best hikes for families with children, trails for hikers with dogs, and a variety of tougher trails too, with plenty of options for backpackers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. For adventurers, there's even a list of nearly 100 more hikes in the area. Read more