Shellburg Falls
Oregon • 100 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
400 ft
About Shellburg Falls
Shellburg Falls drops a dramatic 100 feet into the Stout Creek canyon inside Oregon’s Santiam State Forest, about 2.5 miles north of Lyons. The slender ribbon of water—roughly 10 feet wide on average—sits upstream from Lower Shellburg Falls and is only about half a mile from Stasel Falls, making this stretch of creek a rewarding short-cascade hop for waterfall seekers. Tucked into a lush, forested canyon, the falls offer striking vertical relief and a close-up, intimate feel that photographers and day-hikers appreciate. The site and surrounding lands are owned by SDNR and administered as part of the Forest Development Fund (Board of Forestry), designated as an SRMA and managed by SLB. Whether you come for a focused waterfall outing or to stitch together a route visiting nearby Stasel and Lower Shellburg, Shellburg Falls is an accessible highlight of the Santiam State Forest canyonlands and a memorable stop along the Stout Creek corridor.
The Setting
Shellburg Falls sits at 1,332 feet within Forest Development Fund (Board Of Forestry), fed by the North Santiam River, in the foothills of Oregon. At 100 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 100 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 400 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Shellburg Falls trail is a 2.8-mile out-and-back with about 400 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The path is generally well-maintained, running over dirt and gravel surfaces through a densely wooded corridor of Douglas-fir and maple; expect moderate grades on the approach that climb the canyon rim. Hikers will find clear viewpoints of the 100-foot drop and, in some spots near the brink, the chance to get a close, immersive look at the cascade. Trail type: out-and-back. Surface: dirt and gravel. Elevation gain: ~400 ft. Difficulty/class: moderate.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 100 feet. 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 Shellburg Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Shellburg Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions, so caution is advised.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially near the waterfall and during wet weather. Stay on marked paths and exercise caution when walking behind the falls. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
1,650 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
3.55 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NORTH SANTIAM RIVER AT MEHAMA, OR (3 km away).
Today
Strong
1650 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
1659 cfs
10/10Mon
Strong
1723 cfs
10/10Tue
Roaring
1919 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
1839 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
1868 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
1831 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid November to late January, peaking in November.
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 Lyons 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 216 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 100 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,309 feet.
The ground changes about 117 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 36 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,309 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 216 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Shellburg Falls is located approximately 25 miles east of Salem, Oregon. From Highway 22, take Fern Ridge Road and follow signs to the Shellburg Falls Trailhead. The trailhead is accessible via a gravel road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,332 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.812606° N, -122.608603° W
Land Management
Managed by SLB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, especially during the rainy season. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views behind the waterfall. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Check for any trail closures or restrictions before visiting.
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With 2.8 miles and 400 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
The 1908 Bungalow
Oregon Garden Resort
La Quinta by Wyndham Salem OR
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Salem
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
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Silver Falls State Park, which features several other waterfalls, and the town of Silverton, known for its charming downtown and Oregon Garden.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and numerous bird species. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers and owls.
Cities near Shellburg Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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