Is swimming allowed at Salt Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Salt Creek Falls.

Nearby gauge (Middle Fork Willamette River) · 426 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Salt Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Salt Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Salt Creek Falls.

Oregon • 286 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Salt Creek Falls, see below

Willamette National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (2)

OregonDOT CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Rolling Stone2009 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Salt Creek Falls

Salt Creek Falls is the second tallest single-drop waterfall in Oregon, plunging 286 feet into a scenic canyon. It is located within the Willamette National Forest and is a popular destination for its breathtaking views and accessibility.

The Setting

Salt Creek Falls sits at 1,480 feet within Willamette National Forest, in the foothills of Oregon. At 286 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.

Height: 286 feet

Trail & Hike Details

0.4 mi distance 50 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Salmon Creek (#4365), a 0.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 50 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

SALMON CREEK #4365

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

1.48 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Salt Creek Falls is short and well-maintained, leading to a viewing platform that offers stunning views of the waterfall. The path is paved and suitable for most visitors, including those with mobility challenges.

What to Expect

The falls plunge 286 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Salt Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Salt Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring is an excellent time to visit when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Summer and fall also offer great views, while winter provides a unique perspective with potential snow and ice formations.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Willamette National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms. The area near the waterfall can be slippery, especially in wet or icy conditions. Exercise caution and supervise children closely.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Middle Fork Willamette River, 4.4 miles away, not on Salt Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

426 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

397 581 1.6k 1.8k

Based on 92 years of record

2.68 ft

Water depth at gauge

54°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

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 bracing 54 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

MF WILLAMETTE RIVER ABV SALT CRK, NEAR OAKRIDGE,OR

USGS 14145500

4.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 392 sq mi

Altitude: 1,208 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MF WILLAMETTE RIVER ABV SALT CRK, NEAR OAKRIDGE,OR (7 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

426 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

426 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

426 cfs

4/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

474 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

561 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

594 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

632 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

622 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

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

Is Salt Creek Falls Frozen?

Updated about 5 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing

Salt Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 71°F to 54°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 430 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

Salt Creek Falls is located off Highway 58, approximately 23 miles southeast of Oakridge, Oregon. The parking area is well-marked and easily accessible by car.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a paved parking lot near the viewing area. A Northwest Forest Pass or a $5 day-use fee is required for parking.

Elevation

1,480 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.762407° N, -122.371989° W

Land Management

Willamette National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during summer weekends. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. If visiting in winter, check road conditions and consider bringing traction devices for icy paths.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

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

Middle Fork Ranger District (Hwy 58)

8.1 miles away · 0 sites

Middle Fork Ranger District (US Highway 58)Middle Fork Ranger District is the southern part of the forest, bordering the Deschutes and Umpqua National Forests. Accessible from the west on Highway 58 from Eugene, OR, or from the south via Highway 58.Spend some time exploring Waldo Lake, one of the gems of the forest, but don’t forget to get out on some of the great mountain biking, hiking, and horse trails in this area.HikingBackpacking and day hikes can be found all over the district including, F

Book on Recreation.gov