South Umpqua Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 56 ft³/s · About average

South Umpqua Falls

Oregon • Crater Lake National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service
Photo Credits (5)
1.
Douglas C. Ingram Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
2.
Douglas C. Ingram Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
3.
james shaw CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
4.
5.
neeravbhatt CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About South Umpqua Falls

South Umpqua Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. It features a cascading drop into a clear pool, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking natural beauty and recreation.

The Setting

South Umpqua Falls sits at 1,644 feet within Crater Lake National Park, fed by the South Umpqua River, in the hills of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Nfst 2700929 (#T2700929), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

NFST-2700929 #T2700929

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.12 mi

Trail Description

The trail to South Umpqua Falls is short and easy, making it suitable for most visitors. It leads directly to the falls and offers scenic views of the surrounding forest.

What to Expect

Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at South Umpqua Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at South Umpqua Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest in spring, and summer offers warmer weather for outdoor activities.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Crater Lake National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Rocks near the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution when exploring. During winter, roads leading to the falls may be icy or snow-covered. Always check conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

Based on a USGS gauge 15.8 miles away

56 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Based on 87 years of record

0.72 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

USGS 14308000
15.8 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 449 sq mi
Altitude: 992 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH UMPQUA RIVER AT TILLER, OR (25 km away).

Moderate confidence
Strong right now
56 cfs
→ Holding steady
75757575757575TodayTomorrowWedThuFriSatSun

Today

Strong

56 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Strong

54 cfs

10/10

Wed

Strong

53 cfs

10/10

Thu

Strong

54 cfs

10/10

Fri

Strong

52 cfs

10/10

Sat

Strong

52 cfs

10/10

Sun

Strong

55 cfs

10/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to mid April, peaking in February.

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

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

South Umpqua Falls is located off South Umpqua Road (Forest Road 28) in the Umpqua National Forest. The falls are accessible via a short drive from the nearby town of Tiller, Oregon.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the falls, which may fill up during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,644 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.054558° N, -122.686268° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during summer weekends. Bring sturdy footwear as the trail may be slippery near the falls. Check road conditions in winter before heading out.

Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Ash Flat Campground

2.4 miles away · 0 sites

Tucked into a forest of mixed conifers and hardwoods, Ash Flat Campground provides shaded campsites for a relaxed getaway any time of the year. Beaches and beautiful downstream views courtesy of  the South Umpqua River are just a few seconds away, so bring your bathing suits!Facilities4 campsites with picnic tables and fire pitsNo drinking waterVault toiletGarbage disposal

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include the Umpqua Hot Springs and other waterfalls in the Umpqua National Forest, such as Toketee Falls and Watson Falls.

Wildlife

The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of potential encounters with bears or cougars.

Cities near South Umpqua Falls

Nearby Waterfalls

3.7 miles away
In Crater Lake National Park
Oregon
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft
7.9 miles away
Oregon
Unknown
0.1 miles Unknown

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