Little Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 169 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Little Falls

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service
Photo Credits (5)
1.
2.
Ian Sane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
3.
4.
5.
Jeff Krause Photography CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Little Falls

Little Falls is a compact, scenic cascade tucked into the green, shaded slopes of the Umpqua National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The setting is intimate—moss-covered rocks and a tree-lined channel create a peaceful spot that often feels quieter than Oregon’s larger, more heavily visited waterfalls. The most direct approach follows the USFS-mapped NFST-3803001 (Trail #T3803001), a short, maintained route that delivers you close to the falls without a long, steep haul. This hike is welcoming for day-trippers and small groups looking for a moderate outing. The commonly logged route is an out-and-back of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, so you’ll get a little cardio reward for the views. If you want to linger overnight, the Steamboat Ball Field Group Site is nearby—about 2.09 km from the falls—making it convenient to combine the waterfall visit with camping in the forest.

The Setting

Little Falls sits at 1,178 feet within Umpqua National Forest, fed by the Steamboat Creek, in the foothills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hemlock Falls (90 ft) lies 9.6 miles to the south. Also nearby: Yakso Falls (70 ft, 9.0 mi) and Susan Creek Falls (50 ft, 9.2 mi).

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Nfst 3803001 (#T3803001), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over imported loose material. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

NFST-3803001 #T3803001

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Imported Loose Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.36 mi

Trail Description

Trail NFST-3803001 (Trail #T3803001) is listed by the USFS as a Class 2 route with an imported loose material surface and typical grades of 12–20%. The USFS GIS inventory records the trail segment at 0.36 miles, while the commonly hiked route to Little Falls is reported as a 2.4-mile out-and-back with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Expect packed trail tread composed of imported material with some loose sections and moderately steep stretches; the route is non-technical but can be a bit slippery where loose material accumulates.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with a small waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The area may be slippery or muddy, especially after rain.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Little Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be stronger due to seasonal rainfall and snowmelt.

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 may have slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and limited cell service. Visitors should exercise caution and inform someone of their plans before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

169 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 69 years of record

0.84 ft

Water depth at gauge

60°F

Cold

Bracing — 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 60 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

USGS 14316700
0.9 mi from waterfall
Drainage: 227 sq mi
Altitude: 1,129 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and access details for Little Falls in Oregon are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local resources or park services for directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. It is recommended to check with local authorities or trail resources before visiting.

Elevation

1178 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.355428° N, -122.713770° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Where to Stay

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Nearby Campground

STEAMBOAT BALL FIELD GROUP SITE

1.3 miles away · 1 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Steamboat Ball Field Group Site sits near the banks of the North Umpqua River under a canopy of forest. With access to a multitude of recreational opportunities, including a ball field, river access and a handful of trailheads within the area, this campsite offers an ideal setting for group camping and recreation excursions.Recreation Fishing, hiking and swimming top the list of activities at this site. With wide open spaces, along with a ball field and horseshoe pits, this campground of

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions may include other waterfalls or hiking trails in the region, but specific recommendations are not available.

Wildlife

The area may feature typical Oregon wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of potential encounters with wildlife.

Cities near Little Falls

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