Is swimming allowed at Lower Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lower Falls.

Live Conditions · 5 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Lower Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lower Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Lower Falls.

Oregon • 43 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Also For 19 other waterfalls also named Lower Falls, see below

Prineville Central Oregon Field Office PUB · Bureau of Land Management

Photo Credits (5)

Bill Badzo CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

AirHaake CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Bill Badzo CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

jim.choate59 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Bill Badzo CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Lower Falls

Lower Falls is a charming 43-foot cascade tucked into Central Oregon on public BLM lands. The falls sit on property managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s Prineville Central Oregon Field Office (designation: PUB), and the short approach rewards hikers with a framed plunge and tranquil forest surroundings. It’s an inviting destination for photographers and families looking for an accessible waterfall experience without a long backcountry trek. The route to the viewpoint is pleasantly approachable — an easy outing that suits most fitness levels. With a compact footprint and scenic river-adjacent stretches, Lower Falls makes a great half-day excursion for visitors exploring BLM-managed recreation sites across the region.

The Setting

Lower Falls sits at 3,865 feet within Prineville Central Oregon Field Office, fed by the Sf Crooked River, in the mountains of Oregon. The falls drop 43 feet.

Height: 43 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Upper Falls (25 ft) lies 4.9 miles to the northeast.

Upper Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This is an easy, out-and-back route of roughly 2.0 miles round trip with about 200 feet of cumulative elevation gain. The trail is generally mostly flat with a few gentle inclines, making it suitable for casual hikers and families. There is no USFS trail number associated with this site (the land is managed by the BLM); USFS-specific surface/grade/class data are not applicable. Expect a short, well-marked path that provides straightforward access to the waterfall overlook.

What to Expect

The falls drop 43 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 Lower Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Stay on designated trails to avoid accidents. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in spring and fall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 27 minutes ago Low

5 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 1 years of record

3.26 ft

Water depth at gauge

67°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 67 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Expect crystal clear visibility and adequate dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.5 and mineral content is moderate.

Water Quality

7.6 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Good

Adequate oxygen levels

8.5

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

2.0 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

627 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

SF CROOKED RIVER NEAR BELL BUTTE, NEAR PAULINA, OR

USGS 14078260

10.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 988 sq mi

Altitude: 3,795 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SF CROOKED RIVER NEAR BELL BUTTE, NEAR PAULINA, OR (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

5 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

5 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

7 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

7 cfs

5/10

Sun

Low

6 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

6 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

6 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

6 cfs

6/10

Best window: Sun — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid October to early December, peaking in November.

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 Mitchell hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Lower Falls is accessible via Forest Road 90 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Follow signs for the Lower Falls Recreation Area. The trailhead is located near the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area at the Lower Falls Recreation Area. Parking may fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

3,865 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.193330° N, -120.147369° W

Land Management

Prineville Central Oregon Field Office PUB

Managed by BLM

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and holidays. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy in some sections. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.

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This easy 2.0 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

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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

Cold Springs Cabin - Ochoco NF (OR)

11.3 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Cold Springs Guard Station, constructed in 1934, is a historic site tucked into the Ochoco National Forest. It served a special role as the switchboard station connecting phone calls between various fire lookouts and guard stations during the summer months, as well as housing for the fire guard and his family. The current cabin replaced an earlier one that was destroyed by fire. Cold Springs Guard Station continued to be used by Forest Service employees into the 1990s, and remnants of it

Book on Recreation.gov