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Remote, wild, and scenic – this sums up Umpqua National Forest in a nutshell. We overshot our initial camping spot near a small lagoon, but thanks to that Google Maps Fail, we found the most idyllic setting!
We drove past a glistening lake, traversed deep into the forest, down a narrow dirt road filled with potholes that kept getting narrower and narrower, and only when the woods opened up to a clearing with a lake in the center did we think – yep, this is our spot.
On the map we were in the wrong place, and perhaps it wasn’t the campground we intended, but what we discovered was total serenity and seclusion, a rarity these days.
It was the perfect way to start our exploration of Umpqua National Forest, known for its rugged hiking trails, hot springs, and best of all, spectacular waterfalls. We had come here to check out the Umpqua National Forest waterfalls and enjoy some much-needed respite from the chaos of the city.
In this guide, we share the waterfalls we discovered. Or, you can watch our adventures in this video.
About Umpqua National Forest
Umpqua National Forest is located on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains in southwest Oregon.
It’s just over an hour east of Eugene, nearly three hours south east of Portland, and under two hours south west of Bend.
The protected forest encompasses 983,239 acres across three counties (Douglas, Lane, and Jackson). This beautifully diverse region of Oregon was created thousands of years ago by powerful, geologic activity.
The forest here is so dense, it feels almost storybook – rows of hemlock, fir, cedar, conifer and hardwood trees intertwine together, blanketing the forest floor with dappled sunlight and the aromas of nature.
Stunning forest river views
The best way to experience this forest is on the 172-mile Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway, which cuts through the heart of it, following the Umpqua River and the beautiful forest of the Coast Range. This highway is also lovingly nicknamed the Highway of Waterfalls, as it has 17 beautiful cascades along its route.
This corridor has seventeen waterfalls you can explore on short hikes, some sections of the river can even be enjoyed on an adventurous whitewater rafting trip.
The word Umpqua loosely translates to either “Thundering waters” or “across the waters,” but another translation for this surviving word of the Umpqua language is “satisfied” referring to a full stomach.
Whichever name you go by, they all ring true for me.
Umpqua National Forest Waterfalls
Waterfall chasers will love knowing there are many waterfalls to discover in this region, many on short accessible trails AND you may even get the waterfall all to yourself.
You’ll find tumbling waterfalls, lush forest vegetation, rushing rapids, and alpine lakes in Umpqua National Forest.
Most hiking trails and waterfalls are found off the North Umpqua Highway Route 138 on the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway in the Umpqua National Forest.
Here are some of the most popular waterfall trails in Umpqua National Forest
1. Watson Falls Trail
Watson Falls, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon 
- Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
- Elevation: 132 meters
- Difficulty: moderate
- Time to complete: 45 minutes
- Trailhead location
I really enjoyed this easy 0.8 mile hike to the viewing area of the 272-foot Watson Falls. It is the third tallest waterfall in the state and thunders over a craggy cliff surrounded by a lush forest of Douglas-firs, ferns, and moss covered boulders at the base of the falls.
The path has a steep incline in one section, but is very manageable and doesn’t last long.
It can get slippery in the area that catches its spray.
2. Toketee Falls Trail
The stunning Tokatee Falls
- Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
- Elevation: 52 meters
- Difficulty: easy
- Time to complete: 25 minutes
- Trailhead location
Toketee Falls had a lush, tropical beauty that reminded me of Hawaii. It’s one of the best waterfalls I saw in Oregon.
It’s an easy, short walk out to the lookout point to see this two-tiered waterfall thundering into the pools below.
The upper falls descent drops 28 feet, and the lower falls plunges 85 feet over a sheer wall of basalt.
The trail passes through an old-growth stand of Douglas-fir, Western red cedar, big leaf maple, and Pacific yew.
The North Umpqua River is visible at several points, cascading through a narrow rock gorge.
People were climbing down to the pools below, but a sign clearly says to stay on the path.
Remember to respect signage and take care of our forests. The viewpoint is a perfectly wondrous place to see the falls and capture a photo.
Toketee Falls are featured in our Best Waterfalls in the US list.
3. Umpqua Natural Hot Springs Trail
Umpqua Hot Springs overlooking the Umpqua Wild and Scenic River
- Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)
- Elevation: 45 meters
- Difficulty: easy
- Time to complete: 20 minutes
- Trailhead location
This trail lead to a beautiful series of terraced geothermal hot springs in the Umpqua National Forest.
You reach them on the short, but steep, Umpqua Hot Springs Trail trail. It’s very doable, even with kids. Someone was carrying a bike up there when we were coming down. It can be slippery though, so be careful.
Water seeps through an active fault, resulting in temperatures of 100 to 115 degrees. From the tub, there is a view of Surprise Falls across the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River.
As you might expect, it’s one of the most popular attractions in the park. If we came when it was quieter, I think I would have fallen in love as the scenery is just spectacular. But it was very busy, so our best hot spring option was on the bottom layer, which was verging on what I’d call cool. Paired with a cold day, it wasn’t ideal.
The springs at the top of the terrace are the hot ones and are much bigger. It’s worth getting here early so you can enjoy the hotter pools to yourself before the crowds come.
The terraced Umpqua Hot Springs
Also, it’s worth mentioning that Oregon is a very raw and unfiltered state, so families be warned, many people will be nude at these hot springs.
I don’t have a problem with this at all. Savannah thought it was hilarious and Kalyra was put off and begged me not to strip off. No chance honey!
Most people were very modest and decent about it. Maybe sneak slowly up to scout it out first and see if it’s something you’re comfortable with.
4. Steamboat Falls Trail
Credit: Deposit Photos
- Distance: 100 meters
- Elevation: 2 meters
- Difficulty: easy
- Time to complete: 5 minutes
- Trailhead location
For families not looking to do any hiking at all, take on the Steamboat Falls trail, which takes you to Steamboat Creek where you can go swimming, or cast a line and do some fishing.
The waterfalls are not huge, only about 20-feet, but it feels powerful, especially in the spring when the runoff from the melted icecaps in the winter due drain into the creek.
5. Grotto Falls Trail
- Distance: 0.4 miles (0.8 km)
- Elevation: 56 meters
- Difficulty: moderate
- Time to complete: 20 minutes
- Trailhead location
This out-and-back trail is short and sweet, and is great for hikers or trail runners looking to get away from other people.
What’s special about Grotto Falls is you can walk behind it’s 100 foot cascade, which is fed by the Little River.
This is one of the closest experiences you can get to a waterfall in Umpqua National Forest.
6. Susan Creek Falls Trail
Credit: Deposit Photos
- Distance: 1.4 miles (2.4km)
- Elevation: 57 meters
- Difficulty: moderate
- Time to complete: 40 minutes
- Trailhead location
The Susan Creek Falls trail is short and family-friendly, and finishes at the stunning Susan Creek Falls which plunges for 60-feet.
It’s fed by the North Umpqua River, and is surrounded by lush, mossy vegetation.
If you want to hike further, you can continue on this trail to visit the Susan Creek Indian Mounds, which were believed to have spiritual powers and grant visions by Native Americans.
This trail does get quite steep though.
7. Deadline Falls
You don’t need to follow a hiking trail to see Deadline Falls, it can be accessed from the road.
While this isn’t the biggest or most powerful waterfall in the forest, it’s unique in that you can often see salmon jumping in it.
8. Shadow Falls Trail
- Distance: 1.4 miles (2.4 km)
- Elevation: 99 meters
- Difficulty: 45 minutes
- Time to complete: moderate
- Trailhead location
Shadow Falls takes you on a fairly flat trail to a triple-tiered waterfall on Cavitt Creek totals 100 feet high. The name stems from the dark chasm the falls drop into, rarely receiving direct sunlight.
The creek works its way through a rock fracture, forming a narrow grotto. The last 0.2-mile has a small descend to the viewing area for the falls. What hikers love about the trail is the change from mature to old-growth trees with a lush understory.
9. Fall Creek Falls Trail
- Distance: 0.9 miles (1.6 km)
- Elevation: 88 meters
- Difficulty: moderate
- Time to complete: 35 minutes
- Trailhead location
Hikers will love the short but sweet trail to the stunning Fall Creek Falls, which has multiple small tiers cascading over a moss-covered cliff.
The trail itself winds through an old-growth forest, where you’re surrounded by verdant greenery made of Douglas-fir, hemlock, and sugar pine.
When you reach the pools, cool off with a swim in its pool below.
10. Hemlock Falls Trail
- Distance: 0.9 miles (1.6 km)
- Elevation: 74 meters
- Difficulty: moderate
- Time to complete: 35 minutes
- Trailhead location
Following Hemlock Creek, this out and back trail is the perfect blend of lakes and waterfalls.
It’s a short hike, starting from near the aptly named Lake in the Woods campground, passing by a serene lake and into the dense forest.
It’s a small waterfall, but hardly anyone visits, so it’s perfect if you want seclusion in the woods.
11. Lemolo Falls Trail
The Lemolo Falls trail is an out-and-back trail which can either be done from the north or south end.
The south trail has a descent into the North Umpqua Canyon, which offers a view of Lemolo Falls, which plunges 150 feet into the canyon below.
There is then a trail from the top of the falls to the canyon below, which is quite steep so take care when descending.
The north trail, you can slow ascend the trail and pass a series of small cascades through narrow gorges, before reaching the bottom of the falls.
If you just want to see the falls, take the south trail head, but if you prefer a longer, more gradual hike, then take the north trailhead.
Tips for visiting Umpqua National Forest
- Be bear aware. Black bears live in these forests, so be sure to pack bear spray and don’t leave any food lying around your campsite.
- Poison oak is here too. Don’t wander off the trails as poison oak grows on the forest floor. If there’s a sign saying not to deviate from the trail, there is a reason for this, so follow it.
Best Time to Visit Umpqua National Forest
The best time to visit Umpqua National Forest is late spring (May – June) or early fall (September-October) as you’ll experience milder temperatures, fewer crowds.
The summer’s in Southern Oregon can get hot and there is the potential for wildfires, and the winter’s can be freezing and roads covered in snow, which can cause trail closures.
While Umpqua National Forest is open all year round, you should be sure to check the forecast before visiting and check the national park website for any closures.
Campgrounds in Umpqua National Forest
Serene boondocking spot
There are 40 maintained campgrounds in Umpqua National Forest, each offering either cabins, boondocking and RV docking, or tent camping.
The three main campsites we looked at were:
- Clearwater Falls Campground, which is small and surrounded by old growth Douglas fir forest, plus located off the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway.
- Whitehorse Falls Campground, a sheltered campsite next to the Clearwater River. It’s smaller than the Clearwater Falls Campground, but offers the same facilities.
- Lake in the Woods Campground, which is where we tried to go but got lost and ended up wild camping in a parking area nearby. It’s located next to a 4 acre man-made lake and is one of the largest campsites in the forest.
Car and RV Rental
You will need a vehicle to explore this region, so unless you have your own, you’ll want to hire one. Discovercars.com is who we trust to find the best car rental deals. Find availability in Eugene or Portland.
RVshare is the first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. They can accommodate any kind of outdoor adventure for your Pacific Northwest road trip.
Whether a weekend camping trip or longer tour of multiple states, they have a range of rentals from affordable travel trailers to luxury motorhomes.
More Oregon Travel Tips
Need more inspiration for visiting Oregon? Here are some other helpful guides…
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