Are there fees or permits required for Red Blanket Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Red Blanket Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Red Blanket Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Red Blanket Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Red Blanket Falls near Prospect, Oregon, showing about 156 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 36 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Red Blanket Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Red Blanket Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Red Blanket Falls.

Oregon • Crater Lake National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Rogue River National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Red Blanket Falls

Red Blanket Falls is a photogenic cascade tucked into southern Oregon’s lush forests, where water threads over mossy rock ledges into a cool, shaded pool. The falls sit on U.S. Forest Service land within the Rogue River National Forest, and their sheltered, verdant setting makes them a popular mid-length hike for photographers and families seeking a tranquil woodland destination. The most common approach follows the Lucky Camp Loop (USFS Trail #1083). The route to the falls is an out-and-back of roughly 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate — plan on a peaceful, forested walk with plenty of chances to stop and admire the cascades. Crater Lake National Park is the nearest national park in the region, and the area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service for both recreation and conservation.

The Setting

Red Blanket Falls sits at 5,007 feet within Crater Lake National Park, fed by the South Fork Rogue River, in the high mountains of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Lucky Camp Loop (#1083), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

LUCKY CAMP LOOP #1083

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

1.59 mi

Trail Description

Trail: Lucky Camp Loop (USFS Trail #1083). Length: approx. 2.4 miles round-trip (USFS GIS segment listed at 1.59 miles); out-and-back; elevation gain ~350 ft; difficulty: moderate. Surface: native material (natural tread of dirt, roots, and rock). Class: 3 (single-track trail expected to be narrower and more natural). Expect uneven footing and potentially muddy sections on the native surface; sturdy footwear and steady footing are recommended.

What to Expect

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 Red Blanket Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Red Blanket Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Crater Lake National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery or muddy, especially after rain. Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slick. Cell service is limited, so inform someone of your plans before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 42 minutes ago Strong

36 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1 2 17 67

Based on 76 years of record

7.31 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

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

SOUTH FORK ROGUE RIVER NEAR PROSPECT, OR

USGS 14332000

10.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 84 sq mi

Altitude: 3,360 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH FORK ROGUE RIVER NEAR PROSPECT, OR (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

36 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

36 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Strong

36 cfs

10/10

Wed

Strong

32 cfs

10/10

Thu

Strong

25 cfs

10/10

Fri

Strong

32 cfs

10/10

Sat

Strong

29 cfs

10/10

Sun

Strong

23 cfs

10/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid June, peaking in May.

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

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 156 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,047 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 44 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 128 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Red Blanket Falls near Prospect, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,047 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 156 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Red Blanket Falls is located near Prospect, Oregon. Access typically involves driving along Red Blanket Road, which may require a high-clearance vehicle depending on road conditions. The falls are situated in a remote area, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is limited and may be along the roadside near the trailhead. There is no designated parking lot.

Elevation

5,007 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.793017° N, -122.228486° W

Land Management

Rogue River National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during spring or early summer for the best water flow. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as mosquitoes may be present. Cell service is limited, so download maps or directions in advance.

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

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Nearby Campground

Crater Lake Lodge

11.8 miles away · 0 sites

The Crater Lake Lodge, built in 1915 and a member of Historic Hotels of America® since 2012 was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation® for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels across America. A grand northwest lodge, the historic 71-guestroom Crater Lake Lodge originally opened in 1915 on the edge of one of the country's crown jewels-Crater Lake. No place else

Book on Recreation.gov