Butte Falls
Oregon • 15 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Butte Falls
Butte Falls is a single wide 15-foot cascade on Big Butte Creek at the edge of the town of Butte Falls in Jackson County, Oregon. A water-driven sawmill once operated at the falls and led to the founding of the town. Experienced kayakers run the right side of the drop into a large pool.
The Setting
Butte Falls sits at 2,415 feet within Big Butte Creek (incl South Fork Big Butte Creek), fed by the Big Butte Creek, in the hills of Oregon. The falls drop 15 feet.
Height: 15 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Butte Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
There is no real hike. A dirt road off Falls Road leads to a picnic area and an overlook of the falls.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 15 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Butte Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Butte Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically at its peak due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Exercise caution near the water's edge, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions, and avoid visiting during heavy rain or snow.
Current Water Conditions
61 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 71 years of record
2.79 ft
Water depth at gauge
48°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 48 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BIG BUTTE CREEK NEAR MCLEOD, OR (16 km away).
Today
Low
65 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
68 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
64 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
73 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
70 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
69 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
71 cfs
4/10Best window: Tue — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in March.
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 Butte Falls hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Butte Falls Frozen?
Updated about 23 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Butte Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 59°F to 44°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 80 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 169 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 15 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,413 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 111 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 69 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,413 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 169 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Just before entering the town of Butte Falls, turn onto Falls Road (the road to the recycling center), pass the sewage ponds, and continue down the dirt road to the picnic area and overlook.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the picnic area at the end of the dirt road off Falls Road.
Hours
Elevation
2,415 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.545962° N, -122.561978° W
Land Management
Managed by BLM
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during weekends. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty, and wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the surrounding area.
Where to Stay
Resort at Eagle Point Golf Club Lodging
Edgewater Inn Shady Cove
Best Western Crater Lake Highway White City/Medford
Riverfront Lodging
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.
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Nearby Attractions
The town of Butte Falls is next to the falls. Crater Lake National Park is a separate trip, farther northeast via Prospect and Highway 62.
Wildlife
The area around Butte Falls is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish in Butte Creek.
Cities near Butte Falls
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