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.

Live Conditions · 55 ft³/s · About average

Shadow Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Shadow Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Shadow Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

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

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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, fed by the Rock Creek, in the hills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Wolf Creek Falls (75 ft) lies 4.6 miles to the north. Also nearby: Grotto Falls (25 ft, 9.4 mi).

Wolf Creek Falls Grotto Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Shadow Falls (#1504), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. 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 38 minutes ago Roaring

55 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

44 47 96 159

Based on 21 years of record

1.65 ft

Water depth at gauge

64°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 64 degrees F, good for a quick swim.

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

55 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

62 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

62 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

55 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

52 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

50 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

53 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

55 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tue — roaring flow, partly 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.

Weather Forecast

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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 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

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