Are there fees or permits required for Lower Trestle Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Lower Trestle Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Lower Trestle Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lower Trestle Creek Falls.

Nearby gauge (Middle Fork Willamette River) · 790 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Lower Trestle Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lower Trestle Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Lower Trestle Creek Falls.

Oregon • 60 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.4 miles

Trail Type

Loop

Elevation Gain

600 ft

About Lower Trestle Creek Falls

Lower Trestle Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. It is part of the Trestle Creek Falls trail system and is known for its lush surroundings and serene atmosphere.

The Setting

Lower Trestle Creek Falls sits at 2,182 feet within Umpqua National Forest, in the hills of Oregon. The falls drop 60 feet.

Height: 60 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Upper Trestle Creek Falls (60 ft) lies 0.4 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Spirit Falls (40 ft, 5.8 mi) and Upper Parker Falls (35 ft, 2.8 mi).

Upper Trestle Creek Falls Spirit Falls Upper Parker Falls

Trail & Hike Details

3.4 mi distance 600 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Trestle Creek (#1403C), a 3.4-mile loop trail over natural surface. Expect 600 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

TRESTLE CREEK #1403C

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.23 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Lower Trestle Creek Falls is a scenic loop that passes through dense forest and features views of Brice Creek. The trail includes some moderate elevation gain and may have muddy or slippery sections, especially after rain. The waterfall itself is a stunning cascade surrounded by moss-covered rocks and greenery.

What to Expect

The falls drop 60 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 Trestle Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Trestle Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides drier trail conditions.

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 trail may be slippery or muddy, especially after rain. Watch for exposed roots and rocks. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 11 minutes ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Middle Fork Willamette River, 11.7 miles away, not on Lower Trestle Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

790 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

852 1.1k 2.8k 4.1k

Based on 104 years of record

2.06 ft

Water depth at gauge

51°F

Warm

Very 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 a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

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

MF WILLAMETTE RIVER BLW N FORK, NR OAKRIDGE, OR.

USGS 14148000

11.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 924 sq mi

Altitude: 935 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MF WILLAMETTE RIVER BLW N FORK, NR OAKRIDGE, OR. (19 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

790 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

790 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

746 cfs

8/10

Fri

Strong

853 cfs

8/10

Sat

Strong

934 cfs

8/10

Sun

Strong

997 cfs

8/10

Mon

Strong

1105 cfs

8/10

Tue

Strong

1145 cfs

8/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to late May, 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 Westfir hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Lower Trestle Creek Falls Frozen?

Updated about 5 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Lower Trestle Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 68°F to 51°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 801 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

Location & Access

Getting There

Lower Trestle Creek Falls is located near Cottage Grove, Oregon. From Cottage Grove, take Row River Road east for about 19 miles, then turn onto Brice Creek Road (Forest Road 22). Follow this road for approximately 11 miles to the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Brice Creek Trailhead, which provides access to the trail leading to the waterfall. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

2,182 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.647222° N, -122.657500° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be muddy or slippery. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Check trail conditions before heading out, especially during winter or after heavy rain.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 3.4 miles and 600 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

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

Nearby Campground

RUJADA DAY USE PICNIC AREA

5.9 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

Overview Rujada Day Use Picnic Area is set along the banks of Layng Creek, with a large, open grassy area amidst a scattering of Douglas fir. Rujada is a perfect setting for family reunions, parties or group getaways.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking and biking in summer and early fall. The large grassy field is perfect for group activities or sports, and a playground and horseshoe pit are also provided on-site. Hikers will enjoy a moderately challenging hike on Swordfer

Book on Recreation.gov