Are there fees or permits required for Shadow Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Shadow Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Shadow Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Shadow Falls.

Nearby gauge (Rock Creek) · 74 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Shadow Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Shadow Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Shadow Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

3D terrain

Also For 3 other waterfalls also named Shadow Falls, see below

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

szeke CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

lorenkerns CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

tychay CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Shadow Falls

Shadow Falls is a serene and lesser-known waterfall located in Oregon, surrounded by lush forest and offering a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts. The waterfall cascades over a rocky ledge into a small pool below, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

The Setting

Shadow Falls sits at 2,188 feet within Umpqua National Forest, in the hills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Grotto Falls (78 ft) lies 9.4 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Wolf Creek Falls (75 ft, 4.6 mi).

Grotto Falls Wolf Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Shadow Falls (#1504), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

SHADOW FALLS #1504

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.59 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Shadow Falls is a short and relatively easy hike through a forested area. The path is well-shaded and features gentle terrain, making it suitable for most visitors. The trail may be muddy during wet seasons, so proper footwear is 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 Shadow Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Shadow 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 typically strongest during these seasons.

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 during wet conditions, and visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 13 minutes ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Rock Creek, 13.6 miles away, not on Shadow Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

74 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

60 81 665 840

Based on 21 years of record

1.79 ft

Water depth at gauge

52°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 52 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.

ROCK CREEK NEAR GLIDE, OR

USGS 14317600

13.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 97 sq mi

Altitude: 940 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge ROCK CREEK NEAR GLIDE, OR (22 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

72 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

78 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

89 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

78 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

69 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

86 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

76 cfs

9/10

Sat

Roaring

90 cfs

6/10

Best window: Fri — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

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

Is Shadow Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Shadow Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 57°F to 44°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 45 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 Around Shadow Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

Aerial view of the ground around Shadow Falls near Glide, Oregon

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

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Shadow Falls is located in Oregon, but specific directions to the trailhead may vary depending on the source. It is recommended to consult local maps or AllTrails for the most accurate route.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is not well-documented, but there may be a small parking area near the trailhead. Visitors should prepare for limited parking options.

Elevation

2,188 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.152465° N, -122.949526° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Wear sturdy shoes, especially during the rainy season, as the trail may be slippery. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby.

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

Susan Creek Campground

10.4 miles away · 29 sites

Reservable

Overview Susan Creek Campground is well known for its beautiful setting along the emerald-green waters of the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River. Nestled under the canopy of a mature forest, the campsites are surrounded by trees up to seven feet in diameter. It is a short drive from the Umpqua National Forest, which boasts incredible glacial-cut mountain slopes across 984,602 acres of forest. The campground features 29 campsites, all sites are reservation only until further notice.Reservations ca

Book on Recreation.gov