LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Kelsey Falls (historical)
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Kelsey Falls (historical)
Kelsey Falls (historical) marks a vanished cascade of the Applegate River in southwestern Oregon. The falls were largely altered by construction of the Applegate Dam in the 1980s, and the site now lies within public (PUB) lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The parcel is managed by the BLM’s Medford–Grants Pass Field Office, making the area of interest for hikers, history buffs, and anyone exploring the Applegate Lake corridor on BLM-managed lands. Although the original waterfall no longer exists in its natural state, the lakeshore and surrounding BLM parcels still offer pleasant outing opportunities.
The Setting
Kelsey Falls (historical) sits at 440 feet within Medford Grants Pass Field Office, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Difficulty: moderate. The trail runs across public (PUB) lands managed by the BLM’s Medford–Grants Pass Field Office. There is no USFS trail number associated with this route. Surface, grade and technical class details are not provided in the available data; hikers should plan for a short, moderate hike focused on lake viewpoints and the surrounding BLM-managed landscape rather than a waterfall approach, since the original cascade was altered by Applegate Dam.
What to Expect
Visitors to the area can expect to see the Applegate Lake reservoir, which has replaced the original site of Kelsey Falls. The lake is surrounded by forested hills and offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating.
Accessibility
Accessibility around Applegate Lake varies by location. Some areas may have paved paths or accessible facilities, but others may require navigating uneven terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kelsey Falls (historical)?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Kelsey Falls (historical)?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and summer are ideal for visiting the Applegate Lake area due to favorable weather and recreational opportunities.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Be cautious around the lake, as water levels and currents can vary. Watch for wildlife and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on West Fork Cow Creek, 11 miles away, not on Kelsey Falls (historical)'s own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
5 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 71 years of record
2.01 ft
Water depth at gauge
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.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge WEST FORK COW CREEK NEAR GLENDALE, OR (18 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
3/10Mon
Low
7 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
8 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early April, 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 Glendale 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 measures about 268 feet of descent through Kelsey Falls (historical), a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 441 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 397 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 321 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 441 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 266 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Kelsey Falls was historically located along the Applegate River in Jackson County, Oregon. Today, the area is submerged under the Applegate Lake reservoir, created by the Applegate Dam.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is parking available near Applegate Lake for visitors to the area, but the original site of Kelsey Falls is no longer accessible.
Elevation
440 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.697612° N, -123.772024° W
Land Management
Managed by BLM
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map of the area if you plan to explore trails around Applegate Lake. Be aware that the original site of Kelsey Falls is submerged and not visible.
Where to Stay
The Whale
The Sunset
Porters Paradise
Pacific Reef Hotel & Light Show
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
BALD KNOB LOOKOUT
13 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Bald Knob Lookout is perched atop Bald Knob at an elevation of 3,630 feet in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The lookout offers visitors a unique lodging experience and panoramic views of the surrounding area. Originally developed in 1931 as a lookout site, Bald Knob served as an Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) observation station between 1942 and 1944. The Forest Service removed and replaced the original with the present flat top structure in 1963. The lookout tower is availabl
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Applegate Lake, hiking trails in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, and local wineries in the Applegate Valley.
Wildlife
The area around Applegate Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and fish. Visitors may also encounter smaller mammals and reptiles.
Cities near Kelsey Falls (historical)
Nearby Waterfalls
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