Are there fees or permits required for Ayers Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Ayers Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Ayers Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Ayers Creek Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Ayers Creek Falls near Lyons, Oregon, showing about 200 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 90 ft³/s · About average

Ayers Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Ayers Creek Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Ayers Creek Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Ayers Creek Falls

Ayers Creek Falls tumbles along Ayers Creek on the outer edge of Santiam State Forest near Mehama in Marion County, Oregon, where the west foothills form a transition zone where Mount Hood National Forest meets the Middle Santiam Wilderness. The waterfall is formed on Ayers Creek — the smallest tributary of Stout Creek — and is one of several tucked-away cascades in this forested stretch. Framed by dense green timber and a rocky canyon, the viewpoint feels intimate and quiet compared with larger, more-visited falls, making it a lovely stop for hikers exploring the Santiam foothills. The outing is a pleasant, moderate hike rather than a developed day‑use area, appealing to those who prefer softer tread and a backcountry atmosphere. Expect mossy scenery and shaded forest as you descend into the canyon for the best views; bring a map or GPS and plan for natural trail conditions rather than formal facilities. Its off-the-beaten-path character rewards visitors looking for a tranquil waterfall experience in the foothills where public forestlands meet wilderness country.

The Setting

Ayers Creek Falls sits at 1,444 feet along the Little North Santiam River, in the foothills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Shellburg Falls (100 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the west. Also nearby: Stout Creek Falls (34 ft, 0.7 mi).

Shellburg Falls Stout Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Distance: 2.4 miles round trip (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. Available sources do not list an official USFS trail name or number for the Ayers Creek Falls route, nor do they provide formal USFS surface, grade, or trail-class data. On-the-ground route conditions follow unpaved forest paths and natural tread through west-foothill timber: expect dirt and root-covered surfaces, occasional rocky sections and short, steeper pitches as the trail drops into the canyon. Footing can be uneven and slipperier when wet; plan for typical backcountry conditions and use maps or GPS for navigation. There are no listed developed facilities or nearby campgrounds within 10 km, so come prepared for a day hike with basic backcountry precautions.

What to Expect

Expect a quiet and secluded waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may have dense vegetation and a tranquil atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available, but the trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ayers Creek Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Ayers Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer may be the best times to visit, as water flow is typically higher during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Visitors should exercise caution due to potentially unmarked trails, slippery rocks, and uneven terrain. Check weather conditions and avoid visiting during heavy rain or storms.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

90 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

25 31 108 310

Based on 94 years of record

2.89 ft

Water depth at gauge

57°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 57 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.5 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.9 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

7.5

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

49 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

LITTLE NORTH SANTIAM RIVER NEAR MEHAMA, OR

USGS 14182500

1.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 112 sq mi

Altitude: 655 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE NORTH SANTIAM RIVER NEAR MEHAMA, OR (2 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

90 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

90 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

102 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

90 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

92 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

98 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

106 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

102 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early January to late January, 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.

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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 200 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,447 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 133 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 116 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,447 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 200 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Ayers Creek Falls is located in Oregon, but specific directions to the site are not widely documented. Visitors may need to rely on local maps or GPS coordinates to locate the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options near the trailhead or access point.

Elevation

1,444 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.811838° N, -122.588389° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the location is not well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain. Check local conditions before visiting.

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

12.8 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