Fall Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked into the Santiam State Forest just outside Scotts Mills, Oregon. The short drop spills into a mossy, tree‑lined pool and is framed by lush greenery, making it a popular stop for photographers and hikers looking for a quick, scenic reward in the Willamette Valley foothills. The setting feels intimate and accessible, with the creek and surrounding forest offering pleasant shade and photo opportunities year‑round. Access is straightforward via a short out‑and‑back hike that follows Fall Creek to the base of the falls. The route is managed within Santiam State Forest and is well suited to families and casual day hikers; overnight options are nearby, with Cedar Grove Campground about 8.5 km from the trailhead for those looking to camp close to the area.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Double Falls (178 ft) lies 7.3 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: North Falls (136 ft, 7.0 mi) and Abiqua Falls (92 ft, 3.1 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
This is a short, easy out‑and‑back trail of approximately 1.2 miles with about 200 feet of elevation gain. The path is well maintained and mostly forested, with minimal steep sections as it follows Fall Creek directly to the base of the waterfall. Suitable for most ability levels, the hike provides a short, rewarding route to scenic views and close access to the falls; bring waterproof footwear after heavy rain as the creekside tread can be damp.
What to Expect
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 Fall Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Fall Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to seasonal rains and snowmelt. However, the falls can be enjoyed year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain, so exercise caution. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment and for personal safety. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
29 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 59 years of record
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MOLALLA R AB PC NR WILHOIT, OR (7 km away).
Today
Low
33 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
28 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
34 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
35 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly 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 Scotts Mills 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 94 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,921 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 105 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 74 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, 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
- 1,921 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 94 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Fall Creek Falls is located approximately 9.1 miles from Scotts Mills, 10.8 miles from Molalla, and 12.0 miles from Silverton. The coordinates are 44.9672, -122.5396. Access is via a forest road, and visitors should check local conditions for road accessibility, especially during winter or after heavy rains.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but space may be limited. Visitors are advised to arrive early, especially on weekends.
Elevation
1,942 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.967234° N, -122.539587° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy, especially after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the trail with fewer crowds.
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This easy 1.2 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
Best Western Premier Keizer Salem Hotel
La Quinta by Wyndham Salem OR
Best Western Plus Parkway Inn
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
Cedar Grove Campground
5.3 miles away · 10 sites
Overview No cash, check, or cards are accepted on site. Make a reservations online or use the mobile app. Cedar Grove 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 6 miles south of Glen Avon Bridge, the site has 10 tent campsites, each equipped with a tent pad, metal fire
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Butte Creek Falls, Silver Falls State Park, and the town of Silverton, which offers dining and shopping options.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot native plants and wildflowers along the trail.
Cities near Fall Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Fall Creek Falls
4 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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