LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Nenamusa Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Nenamusa Falls
Nenamusa Falls is a quietly scenic waterfall tucked into the forests of the Siuslaw National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls are a great choice for hikers seeking a low-traffic, peaceful outing: the approach follows a pleasant forest corridor and finishes at a naturally framed cascade that feels tucked away from busier recreation areas. Because the site sits on USFS land, it’s easy to combine a visit with nearby dispersed or group camping—Rocky Bend Group Campground is just 0.79 km away—making Nenamusa Falls an inviting option for an overnight trip. Plan on sturdy footwear and layers; trail conditions can be damp and the forest canopy keeps much of the approach shaded, which enhances the tranquil, tucked-away feel of the waterfall.
The Setting
Nenamusa Falls sits at 758 feet within Siuslaw National Forest, in the foothills of Oregon.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Munson Creek Falls (319 ft) lies 11.4 miles to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The U.S. Forest Service manages the area but does not list a specific trail name or number for this approach; trail information from the managing unit (Siuslaw National Forest) indicates the route is established but not heavily developed. USFS listings do not specify a formal surface, grade, or technical class for this route. Hikers should therefore expect natural, uneven forest tread and be prepared for potentially muddy or slick sections near the creek and falls. Sturdy footwear, basic navigation awareness, and moderate fitness will make the hike enjoyable; with Rocky Bend Group Campground less than a kilometer away, it’s easy to camp nearby before or after your visit.
What to Expect
Expect a peaceful and scenic experience surrounded by Oregon's natural beauty. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Nenamusa Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Nenamusa Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be at its peak.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Siuslaw National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential wildlife encounters. Always stay on marked trails if available.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Tucca Creek, 6.1 miles away, not on Nenamusa Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
15 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 40 years of record
11.18 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TUCCA CREEK NEAR BLAINE, OR. (10 km away).
Today
Roaring
16 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
18 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
22 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
22 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
24 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
27 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
27 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, patchy fog then mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late December to late January, 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 Grand Ronde hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Nenamusa Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Nenamusa Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 60°F to 50°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 16 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 ground through the falls loses about 285 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 751 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 77 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 70 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 751 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 285 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Nenamusa Falls is located in Oregon, but specific directions to the trailhead or access point are not widely documented. Visitors may need to consult local resources or maps for precise guidance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should expect limited or informal parking near the trailhead.
Elevation
758 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.242888° N, -123.597056° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Check weather conditions before visiting, and be prepared for potential muddy or slippery sections.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln City by IHG
Best Western McMinnville Inn
The Tillamook Inn
Best Western University Inn and Suites
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
Rocky Bend Group Campground
0.5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Nestled on the banks of the Nestucca River, Rocky Bend Group Campground is ideal for family gatherings and group events. The site is located on Upper Nestucca River Road 16 miles east of Beaver, Oregon. This group camp offers a picturesque setting, with plenty of recreation opportunity. Recreation Anglers enjoy casting a line into the Nestucca River, where steelhead and salmon can be caught during open fishing season. The campground is near hiking trails and waterfalls. Facilities Group
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls and hiking trails in Oregon's scenic forests may be nearby, but specific attractions are not documented.
Wildlife
The area may host typical Oregon wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Nenamusa Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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