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.

Nearby gauge (Middle Fork Willamette River) · 430 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Smith Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Smith Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Smith Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

3D terrain

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

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Trail Length

0.2 miles

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 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, 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) and Upper Parker Falls (35 ft, 2.4 mi).

Upper Trestle Creek Falls Lower Trestle Creek Falls Upper Parker Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows 4 Wd Sultana Way (#1405A), a 0.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. 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

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

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

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

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

Current Water Conditions

Updated 25 minutes ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Middle Fork Willamette River, 12.5 miles away, not on Smith Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

430 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

424 598 1.6k 1.9k

Based on 92 years of record

2.69 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

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 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 (20 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

430 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

430 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

443 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

546 cfs

5/10

Sun

Moderate

600 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

637 cfs

5/10

Tue

Moderate

628 cfs

5/10

Wed

Moderate

732 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).

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 Westfir hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Smith Falls Frozen?

Updated about 16 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Smith Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 67°F to 49°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

The Terrain Around Smith 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 Smith Falls near Westfir, 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

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

2,651 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.

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