Are there fees or permits required for Barr Creek Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Barr Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Barr Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 677 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Barr Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Barr Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Barr Creek Falls.

Oregon • Crater Lake National Park • 240 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Photo Credits (5)

phoca2004 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Amy Bayer CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Barr Creek Falls

Barr Creek Falls is a dramatic 240-foot cascade tucked into the Rogue River Canyon at the south end of Barr Creek, inside the Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint in Jackson County, Oregon. The creek plunges into the Rogue River over carved cliffs of petrified volcanic ash left by the Mount Mazama eruption, giving the canyon a fossilized, rugged backdrop that makes the falls especially striking. Also known locally as Bear Creek Falls, it’s a compact, cinematic highlight of the Rogue River corridor and a favorite quick stop for visitors exploring southern Oregon’s volcanic landscapes. The setting feels intimate: dense forest and steep canyon walls funnel the eye toward the drop and the developed overlook. Managed as part of the Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint, the site offers easy roadside access and a viewpoint that draws day hikers and photographers seeking a short, rewarding encounter with the region’s geology and river scenery.

The Setting

Barr Creek Falls sits at 2,530 feet within Crater Lake National Park, fed by the Rogue River, in the hills of Oregon. At 240 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.

Height: 240 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Mill Creek Falls (173 ft) lies 0.4 miles to the south.

Mill Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Barr Creek Falls is an easy 1.2-mile out-and-back with about 100 feet of elevation gain, suitable for most hikers and families. The short route follows a maintained footpath through forested terrain with a generally gentle grade before opening to a developed viewpoint overlooking the Rogue River Canyon and the 240-foot cascade. Rated easy and commonly used for quick visits and photography, the trail provides straightforward access from the Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint; expect a well-marked, mostly level walk to the overlook.

What to Expect

The falls plunge 240 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Barr Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Barr Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions on the trail.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Crater Lake National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Stay on the designated trail and avoid venturing too close to the edge of the canyon. The rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Be cautious of icy conditions in winter.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

677 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

712 948 1.5k 2.0k

Based on 74 years of record

1.51 ft

Water depth at gauge

53°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 53 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

ROGUE RIVER BELOW PROSPECT, OR

USGS 14330000

1.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 379 sq mi

Altitude: 1,965 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge ROGUE RIVER BELOW PROSPECT, OR (3 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

677 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

731 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

752 cfs

5/10

Sun

Moderate

732 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

674 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

642 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

630 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

630 cfs

8/10

Best window: Mon — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early June, peaking in May.

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 Prospect hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Barr Creek Falls is located near Prospect, Oregon, and can be accessed via the Barr Creek Falls Trailhead. The trailhead is off Mill Creek Drive, which is easily reachable from Highway 62.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it may fill up during peak seasons. Parking is free.

Elevation

2,530 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.746239° N, -122.495591° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

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

JIM CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND

8.2 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Jim Creek Group Campground provides your group with a peaceful camping experience in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Recreation Woodruff Bridge picnic area is nearby and provides access to the Upper Rogue River Trail. The Upper Rogue River Trail (USFS #1034) mostly parallels the Rogue River for about 47 miles from near the river’s headwaters at Boundary Springs in Crater Lake National Park to the North Fork Dam outside Prospect, Oregon. A managed off-highway vehicle (OHV) trai

Book on Recreation.gov