Little Falls waterfall
Nearby gauge (Steamboat Creek) · 73 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Little Falls

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

3D terrain
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

Trail Length

0.4 miles

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. 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, in the foothills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hemlock Falls (90 ft) lies 9.6 miles to the south. Also nearby: Grotto Falls (78 ft, 9.0 mi) and Yakso Falls (70 ft, 9.0 mi).

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Nfst 3803001 (#T3803001), a 0.4-mile out-and-back trail over imported loose material. 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%. 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

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

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

Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

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 29 minutes ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Steamboat Creek, 0.9 miles away, not on Little Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

73 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 70 years of record

0.31 ft

Water depth at gauge

48°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

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

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge STEAMBOAT CREEK NEAR GLIDE, OR (1 km away).

High confidence
Roaring right now
71 cfs
↑ Rising
999999100100100100TodayTomorrowThuFriSatSunMon

Today

Roaring

71 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

69 cfs

8/10

Thu

Roaring

65 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

72 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

78 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

80 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

106 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid 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 Glide hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Little Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded

Little Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 59°F to 47°F.

Days below freezing
0 of the last 14
Current cold streak
0 days
Freezing days ahead
0 of the next 7
Flow
62 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Oregon.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain Around Little Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

Aerial view of the ground around Little Falls near Glide, Oregon

The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

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

1,178 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.355428° N, -122.713770° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear and bring a map or GPS device as trail information may be limited. Check weather conditions before visiting.

Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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.

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