Are there fees or permits required for Smith Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Smith Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Smith Falls.

Live Conditions · 562 ft³/s · About average

Smith Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Smith Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Smith Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

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 Smith Falls

Smith Falls is a tucked-away waterfall in Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls reward a short but satisfying hike with a quiet cascade framed by dense, green forest—an inviting escape from busier spots and a great choice for hikers who appreciate a peaceful, natural setting. Access to the area is managed by the USFS, and the route includes a named Forest Service segment (4WD SULTANA WAY, Trail #1405A). The hike to Smith Falls is a moderate out-and-back of about 2.4 miles round-trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, so you’ll climb through native forest tread and reach the viewpoint without a long drive from the trailhead. The USFS-maintained Sultana Way section is a short (0.24-mile) native-surface connector with a typical grade of 12–20% and is listed as Class 3 on USFS maps, so expect some steep pitches and natural footing. The nearest developed day-use/picnic area (Rujada Day Use Picnic Area) is roughly 13 km away, so plan accordingly for supplies and parking.

The Setting

Smith Falls sits at 2,651 feet within Umpqua National Forest, fed by the Mf Willamette River Abv Salt Crk,, in the hills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Upper Trestle Creek Falls (60 ft) lies 2.5 miles to the north. Also nearby: Lower Trestle Creek Falls (60 ft, 2.3 mi).

Upper Trestle Creek Falls Lower Trestle Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows 4 Wd Sultana Way (#1405A), 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 developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

4WD SULTANA WAY #1405A

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.24 mi

Trail Description

Length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~350 ft. Difficulty: Moderate. Trail type: Out-and-back. Surface: mostly native material; expect natural dirt tread, roots, and some rocks. USFS access: 4WD SULTANA WAY (Trail #1405A) — GIS length 0.24 miles, Class: 3, Typical grade: 12–20%. Trail notes: short but moderately steep sections on natural surface; suitable footwear recommended and be prepared for uneven tread and brief steeper pitches on the Class 3 segment.

What to Expect

Expect a tranquil natural setting with a beautiful waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The trail may be less maintained due to its lesser-known status.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Smith Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Smith Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to seasonal rainfall.

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

Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Trail conditions may be uneven or slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid visiting during inclement weather.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 11 minutes ago Moderate

562 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

315 543 1.7k 2.1k

Based on 91 years of record

2.90 ft

Water depth at gauge

48°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

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

MF WILLAMETTE RIVER ABV SALT CRK, NEAR OAKRIDGE,OR

USGS 14145500

12.5 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 392 sq mi

Altitude: 1,208 ft

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Westfir hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Smith Falls is located in Oregon, but specific directions and access details are not widely documented. Visitors are encouraged to consult local maps or guides for precise information.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should prepare for limited or primitive parking options near the trailhead.

Elevation

2651 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.616225° N, -122.640810° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain.

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

RUJADA DAY USE PICNIC AREA

8.1 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

Overview Rujada Day Use Picnic Area is set along the banks of Layng Creek, with a large, open grassy area amidst a scattering of Douglas fir. Rujada is a perfect setting for family reunions, parties or group getaways.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking and biking in summer and early fall. The large grassy field is perfect for group activities or sports, and a playground and horseshoe pit are also provided on-site. Hikers will enjoy a moderately challenging hike on Swordfer

Book on Recreation.gov