Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Henline Falls
Henline Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Opal Creek Wilderness area of Oregon. It cascades over a rocky cliff into a serene pool below, surrounded by lush forest. The trail to the falls is relatively short and offers a peaceful hike through a scenic area.
The Setting
Henline Falls sits at 1,952 feet within Willamette National Forest, fed by the Little N Santiam River Abv Evans Cr,, in the hills of Oregon. At 126 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 126 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Butte Creek Falls (20 ft) lies 9.9 miles to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Henline Falls (#3348), a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
HENLINE FALLS #3348
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.09 miTrail Description
The trail to Henline Falls is a gentle, well-maintained path that winds through a lush forest. Along the way, hikers will pass remnants of old mining operations, adding a historical element to the hike. The trail ends at the base of the falls, where visitors can enjoy the view and relax by the pool.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 126 feet. 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 Henline Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Henline Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Henline Falls, as the water flow is strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Willamette National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious near the waterfall as rocks can be slippery. Watch for changing weather conditions, and avoid the trail during heavy rain or storms as it may become hazardous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Gates 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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 303 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 126 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,948 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 74 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 193 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,948 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 303 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Henline Falls is located in the Willamette National Forest, near the town of Lyons, Oregon. To reach the trailhead, take Highway 22 to North Fork Road SE, then follow signs for Henline Falls Trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,952 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.849289° N, -122.339525° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Be cautious near the waterfall as rocks can be slippery.
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This easy 1.8 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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
Rushing River Retreat
Remote Escape Riverside Home with Scenic Views
Walk to Detroit Lake! Family Home with Outdoor Oasis
Oregon Vacation Rental about half Mi to Santiam River!
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
Elk Lake Campground
10.5 miles away · 0 sites
This 17 site tent-only campground, located adjacent to the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses, is full of beauty in the summer. Wildflowers are a beautiful sight in the campground's meadows around July. Swim or paddle in the quiet waters of the non-motorized lake, go for a great hike with views of multiple Cascade peaks, or just kick back and relax in the campground.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Opal Creek Wilderness, Three Pools, and other waterfalls in the area such as Little North Santiam Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail.
Cities near Henline Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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