Lower Soda Falls
Oregon • 134 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Lower Soda Falls
Lower Soda Falls, also known as Soda Creek Falls, is a three-tiered waterfall on Soda Creek in Cascadia County Park, on Highway 20 east of Sweet Home along the South Santiam River. The park, formerly Cascadia State Park, is now run by Linn County. A three-quarter-mile trail leads from the park up Soda Creek to the falls, which run thin for much of the year and strongest in winter and spring.
The Setting
Lower Soda Falls sits at 1,358 feet within Cascadia State Park, in the foothills of Oregon. At 134 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 134 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Linn County describes a three-quarter-mile trail to Soda Creek Falls, about 1.5 miles round trip. The path follows Soda Creek through forest to the base of the falls and climbs steadily on the way in.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 134 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 Soda Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Linn County parks require dogs on a leash of 6 feet or less, allow no more than two pets per person, and prohibit leaving pets unattended.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Soda Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Winter and spring, when the falls run strongest; flow is light for much of the year.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail and surrounding rocks may be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and stay on marked paths. Be aware of potential wildlife encounters.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Santiam River, 1.6 miles away, not on Lower Soda Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
115 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 91 years of record
2.52 ft
Water depth at gauge
50°F
WarmVery comfortable
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 very cold at 50 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
Water Clarity
Crystal clearExcellent visibility
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH SANTIAM RIVER BELOW CASCADIA, OR (3 km away).
Today
Strong
115 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
128 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
166 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
162 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
160 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
176 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
222 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late 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 Cascadia hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Lower Soda Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Lower Soda Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 66°F to 53°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 124 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, 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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 307 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 134 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,359 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 197 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 163 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,359 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 307 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Cascadia County Park is at 48241 Cascadia Dr., Cascadia, on Highway 20 east of Sweet Home. Turn into the park from Highway 20, cross the South Santiam River and keep right to the day-use area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the day-use area, which has restrooms. Linn County day-use areas are open from dawn to dusk.
Elevation
1,358 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.407799° N, -122.475364° W
Land Management
Managed by CITY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking.
Where to Stay
Sweet Home Inn
Foster Lake Inn
Best Western Premier Boulder Falls Inn
Shanico Inn
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
LONGBOW ORGANIZATION GROUP
5.5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview The group site has 6 alpine shelters with fireplaces and capacity to sleep 48. All of the shelters are facing the river and no tents or trailers are allowed. This group site also includes a covered dining hall with cooking area, fireplace and capacity to seat 40 people. An amphitheater that seats up to 75 is located near the volleyball court. The campground has one accessible double vault toilet and one handpump well to provide potable water. Parking is limited; maximum of 50 people
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Nearby Attractions
The park also has a trail through old Douglas-firs along the South Santiam River and visible ruts of the historic Santiam Wagon Road.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of potential encounters with bears or other larger animals.
Cities near Lower Soda Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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