Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.1 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Butte Creek Falls
Butte Creek Falls sits southeast of Scotts Mills in Marion County, Oregon, and is the centerpiece attraction of the Butte Creek Falls trailhead and recreation site. According to published sources, the falls form a broad, photogenic cascade totaling about 78 feet, plunging through a lush forest setting that makes this a favorite quick jaunt for photographers and families. The site is on land managed under the Forest Development Fund (Board of Forestry); the landowner is SDNR and the manager is SLB, and the area is designated as an SRMA to support recreation and public access.
The Setting
Butte Creek Falls sits at 1,781 feet within Forest Development Fund (Board Of Forestry), in the hills of Oregon. The falls drop 20 feet.
Height: 20 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Double Falls (178 ft) lies 6.8 miles to the west. Also nearby: North Falls (136 ft, 6.0 mi) and Abiqua Falls (92 ft, 2.7 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.1-mile loop trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The hike is a short, family-friendly 1.1-mile loop with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain and an easy difficulty rating. The well-maintained path winds through mixed forest (Douglas-fir and maples are noted on-site) and delivers multiple viewpoints of the 78-foot-wide cascade; there is also an option to descend to a lower viewpoint closer to the base of the falls. Official surface type, grade, and trail class are not listed by the managing unit, but the route’s brief length and modest elevation make it an accessible outing for most hikers.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 20 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 Butte Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Butte Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the edges of the falls, as the rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for muddy conditions, especially after rain. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
1.46 ft
Water depth at gauge
58°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
What does this mean for your visit?
Water temperature is a bracing 58 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MOLALLA R AB PC NR WILHOIT, OR (10 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
33 cfs
3/10Sat
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
28 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
30 cfs
5/10Best window: Sat — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Mill City 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 196 feet of descent through Butte Creek Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 20 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 1,749 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 155 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 156 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,749 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 196 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Butte Creek Falls is located near Scotts Mills, Oregon. From Scotts Mills, take Crooked Finger Road and follow signs for Butte Creek Falls. The road eventually turns to gravel, and the trailhead is well-marked with a small parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, which can fill up quickly during peak times. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,781 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.923456° N, -122.512307° W
Land Management
Managed by SLB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
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This easy 1.1 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Oregon Garden Resort
The 1908 Bungalow
Rushing River Retreat
Half-Mi to Scotts Mills Falls Wine Country Apt
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
Three Bears Campground
8.5 miles away · 15 sites
Overview No cash, check, or cards are accepted on site. Make a reservations online or use the mobile app. Three Bears campsites are only available by making a reservation. Reserve a campsite on recreation.gov or Recreation.gov Mobile App prior to entering the Molalla River Recreation Corridor. There is no cell reception in the drainage. Situated in a picturesque grove of western red cedar 4 miles south of Glen Avon Bridge, the site has 15 tent campsites, each equipped with a tent pad, metal fire
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Abiqua Falls and Silver Falls State Park, both offering additional hiking and waterfall viewing opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for native flora and fauna along the trail.
Cities near Butte Creek Falls
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