Are there fees or permits required for Deer Lick Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Deer Lick Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Deer Lick Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Deer Lick Falls.

Live Conditions · 52 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Deer Lick Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Deer Lick Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Deer Lick Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Deer Lick Falls, see below

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Deer Lick Falls

Deer Lick Falls is a small, intimate cascade on the Black Rock Fork of the South Umpqua River in Douglas County, Oregon, tucked into the forests of the Umpqua National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls are reached from Forest Road 28, about 4 miles northeast of South Umpqua Falls, and reward visitors with a peaceful woodland setting and close-up views of the water spilling over the rocky channel. Access is served by the USFS DEERLICK FALLS Trail (#1568), making it a convenient stop for hikers exploring this section of the National Forest. While the waterfall itself is petite compared with larger regional falls, the setting is photogenic and quiet—an inviting detour for those on longer hikes or anyone looking for a short, scenic outing along the South Umpqua's tributaries.

The Setting

Deer Lick Falls sits at 2,277 feet within Umpqua National Forest, fed by the Fish Creek Abv Slipper Creek, in the hills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hemlock Falls (90 ft) lies 9.5 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Yakso Falls (70 ft, 9.4 mi).

Hemlock Falls Yakso Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Deerlick Falls (#1568), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

DEERLICK FALLS #1568

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.15 mi

Trail Description

The official USFS spur to the falls is the DEERLICK FALLS trail (Trail #1568). According to USFS trail data this segment is a short 0.15-mile native-material tread, Class 3, with a typical grade of 12–20%. That means the spur is relatively steep and uses a natural surface—expect packed soil, roots and rock; Class 3 indicates steeper, more rugged footing where hands may be used for balance. Many route descriptions for the area report a 2.4-mile out-and-back hiking route (350 feet elevation gain, difficulty: moderate) when approaching as part of a longer walk through the Umpqua National Forest. Hikers should plan for a moderate overall effort if combining the spur with access trails, wear footwear suitable for uneven native surfaces, and be prepared for short, steeper sections on the approach and at the final spur to the viewpoint.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with the sound of cascading water and surrounding greenery. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Oregon.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Deer Lick Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Deer Lick Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be at its peak due to seasonal rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Umpqua National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Trail conditions may be slippery or uneven, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid venturing too close to the waterfall edge.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

52 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

44 90 133 217

Based on 22 years of record

4.70 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

FISH CREEK ABV SLIPPER CREEK NR TOKETEE FALLS, OR

USGS 14315950

9.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 62 sq mi

Altitude: 3,060 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge FISH CREEK ABV SLIPPER CREEK NR TOKETEE FALLS, OR (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

53 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

53 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

61 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

61 cfs

4/10

Sun

Moderate

57 cfs

5/10

Mon

Low

49 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

47 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

47 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid 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

The exact location and directions to Deer Lick Falls are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking resources or maps for guidance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated areas if available.

Elevation

2,277 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.127592° N, -122.584021° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the trail and access points may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for potential muddy or uneven terrain.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Where to Stay

Umpqua's Last Resort - Wilderness Cabins, RV Park & Glamping

9.4 157 reviews

Union Creek Resort

7.3 56 reviews

See all hotels near Prospect

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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

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Nearby Campground

Ash Flat Campground

9.4 miles away · 0 sites

Tucked into a forest of mixed conifers and hardwoods, Ash Flat Campground provides shaded campsites for a relaxed getaway any time of the year. Beaches and beautiful downstream views courtesy of the South Umpqua River are just a few seconds away, so bring your bathing suits!Facilities4 campsites with picnic tables and fire pitsNo drinking waterVault toiletGarbage disposal

Book on Recreation.gov