Grotto Falls
Oregon • 25 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Siuslaw National Forest in Oregon. It is known for its unique feature of allowing visitors to walk behind the waterfall, offering a stunning perspective of the cascading water.
The Setting
Grotto Falls sits at 3,150 feet within Umpqua National Forest, fed by the Steamboat Creek, in the mountains of Oregon. The falls drop 25 feet.
Height: 25 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Hemlock Falls (90 ft) lies 5.2 miles to the east. Also nearby: Wolf Creek Falls (75 ft, 6.7 mi) and Yakso Falls (70 ft, 5.6 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Grotto Falls (#1503), a 0.6-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 100 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
GROTTO FALLS #1503
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.32 miTrail Description
The trail to Grotto Falls is short and well-maintained, making it suitable for most visitors. It winds through a lush forest with moss-covered trees and ferns, leading to the waterfall. The highlight of the trail is the ability to walk behind the falls, providing a unique and immersive experience.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 25 feet. 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 Grotto Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Grotto Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest 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
The area around the waterfall can be slippery, so exercise caution. Be aware of changing weather conditions, as rain can make the trail more hazardous. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
138 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 69 years of record
0.71 ft
Water depth at gauge
57°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 57 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.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Glide hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Grotto Falls is located off Forest Service Road 17 in the Siuslaw National Forest. The trailhead is accessible by car, but the road may be rough in some areas, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it may fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Elevation
3150 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.250446° N, -122.821175° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and summer months. Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the area around the waterfall can be wet and slippery. Bring a rain jacket or waterproof gear if you plan to walk behind the falls.
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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn & Suites Roseburg
Umpqua's Last Resort - Wilderness Cabins, RV Park & Glamping
Terraluna Inn
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roseburg North by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Susan Creek Campground
4.8 miles away · 29 sites
Overview Susan Creek Campground is well known for its beautiful setting along the emerald-green waters of the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River. Nestled under the canopy of a mature forest, the campsites are surrounded by trees up to seven feet in diameter. It is a short drive from the Umpqua National Forest, which boasts incredible glacial-cut mountain slopes across 984,602 acres of forest. The campground features 29 campsites, all sites are reservation only until further notice.Reservations ca
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Glide, Oregon on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions include Sweet Creek Falls and Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for banana slugs and other forest creatures.
Cities near Grotto Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Grotto Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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