Cavitt Falls waterfall
Nearby gauge (South Umpqua River) · 29 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Cavitt Falls

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
1.
BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
2.
BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
3.
BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
4.
BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
5.
BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Cavitt Falls

Cavitt Falls is a small, picturesque waterfall in Douglas County, Oregon, that draws locals and visitors looking for a peaceful spot and a popular swimming hole in warmer months. The cascade and its pool offer a compact but scenic destination that’s perfect for a half-day outing and for photographers who enjoy intimate water features rather than large, crowded falls. Access to Cavitt Falls requires a short hike through the surrounding terrain — the approach is a pleasant way to stretch your legs before arriving at the water. The nearest developed camping is Three C Rock Campground, roughly 26.4 km away, so many visitors treat Cavitt Falls as a day-use stop while exploring the wider region.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Hikers can expect a relatively short hike with some sustained uphill sections given the stated elevation gain; overall difficulty is moderate rather than technical. Official surface, grade, and USFS trail class data were not provided in the available information.

What to Expect

Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cavitt Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Cavitt Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is during late spring through early fall when the weather is warm, and the swimming hole is most enjoyable.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Rocks around the waterfall and swimming hole can be slippery. Always supervise children near the water and avoid swimming during high water levels or after heavy rain.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Low

These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Umpqua River, 6.7 miles away, not on Cavitt Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

29 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

3.90 ft

Water depth at gauge

55°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 55 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.

USGS 14308910
6.7 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 749 sq mi
Altitude: 670 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge S UMPQUA RIVER AT CANYONVILLE, OR (11 km away).

Moderate confidence
Low right now
29 cfs
→ Holding steady
18181826302218TodayTomorrowSatSunMonTueWed

Today

Low

29 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

31 cfs

6/10

Sat

Low

26 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

30 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

39 cfs

5/10

Tue

Low

63 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

53 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid December to mid January, 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 Myrtle Creek 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.

3-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 59 feet through Cavitt Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 780 feet.

The ground changes about 48 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 21 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Cavitt Falls near Myrtle Creek, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Cavitt Falls near Myrtle Creek, Oregon, showing about 59 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing north
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation
780 feet
Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 59 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
North
Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
Ground profile through the falls

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

Cavitt Falls is located near Glide, Oregon, and can be accessed via Cavitt Creek Road. The falls are situated within a short distance of the Cavitt Creek Falls Campground.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Cavitt Creek Falls Campground, which provides access to the waterfall.

Elevation

778 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.020673° N, -123.203951° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during summer weekends to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience. Bring water shoes if you plan to swim, as the rocks can be slippery.

Where to Stay

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

Nearby Campground

Three C Rock Campground

16.4 miles away · 6 sites

Reservable

Overview Named after a historic Civilian Conservation Corps Camp that was built in the late 1930s, Three C Rock Campground is situated on the South Umpqua River. This campground, with five campsites, is a great spot for families to relax under a canopy of mixed conifers. If you enjoy fishing, then you are in luck as this is the only spot along the South Umpqua River where fishing is permitted. Be prepared for poison oak in the surrounding vegetation.Recreation HikingSwimmingFishingFacilities Five

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include the Cavitt Creek Falls Campground and the Umpqua National Forest, which offers additional hiking and outdoor activities.

Wildlife

The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid feeding wildlife.

Cities near Cavitt Falls

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