Are there fees or permits required for Abiqua Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Abiqua Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Abiqua Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Abiqua Falls.

Abiqua Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Abiqua Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Abiqua Falls. No dog rule is posted for this private land, but Oregon Hikers advises leaving dogs at home because the descent is steep and dangerous.

Oregon • 92 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Forest Development Fund (Board Of Forestry) SRMA · SDNR

Before you go

The falls are on private land owned by Mount Angel Abbey, which allows visitors; the property is being sold (state park purchase approved in 2026), so check current access before going. The last 2.5 miles of road are rough and may need high clearance and 4WD.

Photo Credits (5)

Courtarro CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

0.8 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

180 ft

About Abiqua Falls

Abiqua Falls is a 92-foot plunge on Abiqua Creek into a basalt amphitheater in the foothills east of Scotts Mills, Oregon. The falls are on private land owned by Mount Angel Abbey, which has allowed public access. The abbey announced in February 2026 that it is selling the property, and Oregon Hikers reports the Oregon State Parks Commission voted in September to approve buying more than 200 acres around the falls, so access rules may change.

The Setting

Abiqua Falls sits at 1,263 feet within Forest Development Fund (Board Of Forestry), in the foothills of Oregon. The falls drop 92 feet.

Height: 92 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Double Falls (178 ft) lies 4.5 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: North Falls (136 ft, 3.9 mi) and Upper North Falls (65 ft, 3.8 mi).

Double Falls North Falls Upper North Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.8 mi distance 180 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 0.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 180 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

From the parking spot by a locked gate, walk 50 to 100 feet back up the road to an unmarked trail. It drops steeply about 0.2 miles to the creek, then follows a rough path upstream about 0.2 miles to the base of the falls, about 0.8 miles round trip with 180 feet of gain. One very steep section has caused falls and is treacherous when wet. Many visitors park lower-clearance cars farther back on the road and walk in, which can add up to about 1.5 miles each way.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 92 feet. Swimming is permitted.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Abiqua Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed
No dog rule is posted for this private land, but Oregon Hikers advises leaving dogs at home because the descent is steep and dangerous.

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Abiqua Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides easier trail conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Use caution when descending to the falls. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Molalla River, 7.1 miles away, not on Abiqua Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

3.20 ft

Water depth at gauge

50°F

Warm

Very comfortable

What does this mean for your visit?

Water temperature is very cold at 50 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

MOLALLA R AB PC NR WILHOIT, OR

USGS 14198500

7.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 97 sq mi

Altitude: 791 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MOLALLA R AB PC NR WILHOIT, OR (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

256 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

277 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

234 cfs

8/10

Thu

Strong

272 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

349 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

320 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

361 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

372 cfs

6/10

Best window: Thu — strong flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to mid December, peaking in January.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Lyons hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Abiqua Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Abiqua Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 46°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 256 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Oregon.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar shows Abiqua Falls dropping about 241 feet in a single sheer step. That is more than the listed 92 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 1,270 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 115 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 220 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Abiqua Falls near Lyons, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Abiqua Falls near Lyons, Oregon, showing about 241 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,270 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 241 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

From Highway 213 between Molalla and Silverton, turn east at the Scotts Mills sign. In Scotts Mills, turn south on Crooked Finger Road and drive 9.5 miles to the end of the pavement, then 1.4 more miles on gravel to unsigned road CF300 on the right (near a large Crooked Finger OHV area sign). Go through the gate and keep straight or downhill at every junction for about 2.5 miles to a wide spot on the left near a locked gate. Do not rely on Google Maps, which routes onto roads that are not passable.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Park at the wide spot on the left near the locked gate at the end of the drivable road, or at a large pullout above the switchback if your vehicle lacks clearance. Do not block the road or gates.

Elevation

1,263 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.926321° N, -122.567289° W

Land Management

Forest Development Fund (Board Of Forestry) SRMA

Managed by SLB Restricted Access

Visitor Tips & Gear

The road and trail cross private timber and abbey land, so pack out all trash and follow any posted signs. Wear shoes with good traction and do not rely on phone map apps for the drive.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 0.8 miles and 180 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Aquila Vista Recreation Site

5.4 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Aquila Vista is closed until further notice to remove wildfire burned danger trees. Aquila Vista is available for overnight group camping for groups up to 30 people and 20 vehicles. The season, when it reopens, will be mid-May through mid-October. The site is located in the heart of the forest next to a large beaver pond. There is plenty of hiking and natural beauty to see at Aquila Vista including a small waterfall. Amenities include vault toilet, two group picnic shelters with multiple

Book on Recreation.gov