Is swimming allowed at Lillian Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lillian Falls.

Lillian Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lillian Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Lillian Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Willamette National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

ex_magician CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

ex_magician CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

ex_magician CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

ex_magician CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Lillian Falls

Lillian Falls sits tucked into the lush forest of the Willamette National Forest, offering a peaceful, green setting for a short hike and a quiet nature visit. The falls provide a scenic reward after a short walk through shaded trees and ferns, making it a pleasant stop for hikers who enjoy a compact, woodland waterfall experience. The site is managed by the U.S. Forest Service (Willamette National Forest), and the primary access route is the USFS Black Creek Trail (Trail #3551). The hike to the falls is an out-and-back of about 1.5 miles round trip with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate. If you’re camping, Islet Campground lies nearby — about 8.69 km from the trailhead — making an overnight visit straightforward for those who want to linger longer in the forest.

The Setting

Lillian Falls sits at 3,983 feet within Willamette National Forest, in the mountains of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Black Creek (#3551), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

BLACK CREEK #3551

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.09 mi

Trail Description

Access follows USFS Black Creek Trail (Trail #3551). USFS trail data records a Black Creek segment of 0.09 GIS miles consisting of native material, classified as Trail Class 3 with a typical grade of 12–20%. Overall, plan on a 1.5-mile out-and-back route with about 300 feet of elevation gain; difficulty is listed as moderate. The tread is native/unsurfaced with some short, steeper pitches, so expect uneven footing and moderate climbs suitable for hikers in reasonable condition.

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 Lillian Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lillian Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter access may be limited due to snow.

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

The trail may be slippery after rain or snow. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be wet and unstable.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Lillian Falls is accessed via the Umpqua National Forest. Visitors typically start from the Lemolo Lake area and follow forest roads to the trailhead. The roads may be unpaved and require a high-clearance vehicle during certain seasons.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited. Visitors should plan to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.

Elevation

3983 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.698160° N, -122.092017° W

Land Management

Willamette National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities along the trail. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail can become slippery after rain or snow.

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With 1.5 miles and 300 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.

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.

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.

Where to Stay

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

ISLET CAMPGROUND

5.4 miles away · 33 sites

Reservable

Overview Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting on the water and along remote shorelines, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and mountain hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming.Recreation Waldo Lake is circled by the Jim Weaver Loop, 22 miles of trail for hiking and biking. Bikes are allowed on the trails, but not in the nearby Waldo Lake Wildern

Book on Recreation.gov