South Umpqua Falls
Oregon • 15 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About South Umpqua Falls
South Umpqua Falls is a 15-foot cascade where the South Umpqua River slides over a wide slab of bedrock, in the Umpqua National Forest about 20 miles above Tiller, Oregon. The falls is next to the South Umpqua Falls picnic area and campground, where visitors watch Chinook salmon and sometimes bald eagles.
The Setting
South Umpqua Falls sits at 1,644 feet within Umpqua National Forest, fed by the South Umpqua River, in the hills of Oregon. The falls drop 15 feet.
Height: 15 feet
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
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.12 miTrail Description
A short walk from the picnic area leads to the river and the bedrock slab at the falls.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 15 feet. 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
Dogs must be on a leash at the South Umpqua Falls campground and day-use area.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at South Umpqua Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
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 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.
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
Based on a USGS gauge 15.8 miles away
134 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 89 years of record
1.13 ft
Water depth at gauge
48°F
Very coldExpect 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH UMPQUA RIVER AT TILLER, OR (25 km away).
Today
Roaring
145 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
201 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
222 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
264 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
271 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
292 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
323 cfs
6/10Best window: Fri — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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.
Is South Umpqua Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
South Umpqua Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 59°F to 46°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 56 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
Location & Access
Getting There
From Canyonville, take OR-227 about 23 miles to Tiller. Turn onto County Road 46 (National Forest Road 28, South Umpqua Road) and drive about 20 miles to the South Umpqua Falls campground and picnic area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the South Umpqua Falls picnic area, across the road from the campground. A recreation pass or day-use fee is required, paid by Scan & Pay or Recreation.gov since cash stopped being accepted on April 1, 2026.
Elevation
1,644 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.054558° N, -122.686268° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a phone with the Recreation.gov app or a valid recreation pass, since the site is cashless. Recreation.gov notes that fishing is not allowed at the site.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn & Suites Roseburg
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roseburg North by IHG
Terraluna Inn
Umpqua Valley Hotel
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
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
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Nearby Attractions
Campbell Falls at Boulder Creek Campground is downstream on the South Umpqua River, closer to Tiller. Toketee and Watson Falls are on the North Umpqua, a long drive away.
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
Aerial
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