Stair Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Stair Creek Falls
Stair Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon. It is part of the Stair Creek drainage and is known for its cascading tiers, surrounded by lush forested scenery.
The Setting
Stair Creek Falls sits at 515 feet within Siskiyou National Forest, in the foothills of Oregon.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Elk Creek Falls (191 ft) lies 10.0 miles to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
USFS Trail
ROGUE RIVER (NRT) #1160
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.26 miTrail Description
The Rogue River Trail is a long-distance trail that offers stunning views of the Rogue River and surrounding wilderness. Stair Creek Falls is a highlight along the trail, featuring cascading water surrounded by dense forest. The trail is rugged in sections and requires preparation for a backcountry hike.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a challenging hike with rewarding views of the Rogue River and Stair Creek Falls. The area is remote, and hikers should be prepared for wilderness conditions, including uneven terrain and potential wildlife encounters.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Stair Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Stair Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Stair Creek Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak during this time.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Siskiyou National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be prepared for wilderness conditions, including uneven terrain, potential wildlife encounters, and changing weather. Carry a first aid kit and let someone know your hiking plans. Cell service may be limited or unavailable.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Rogue River, 10.9 miles away, not on Stair Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1,410 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 66 years of record
3.67 ft
Water depth at gauge
55°F
ColdBracing — 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 55 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge ROGUE RIVER NEAR AGNESS, OR (18 km away).
Today
Roaring
1410 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
1442 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
1402 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
1531 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
1624 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
1541 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
1497 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early April, 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 Powers 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 450 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 513 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 294 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 196 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 513 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 450 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Stair Creek Falls is accessible via the Rogue River Trail, which follows the Rogue River through the wilderness. The trailhead can be accessed from the Grave Creek area or other points along the Rogue River Trail.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at trailheads along the Rogue River Trail, such as the Grave Creek trailhead. Availability may vary depending on the season and trailhead location.
Elevation
515 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.696778° N, -123.899530° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to allow plenty of time for the hike. Bring sufficient water, snacks, and navigation tools. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and ensure you have sturdy footwear.
Where to Stay
The Whale
The Sunset
Porters Paradise
Pacific Reef Hotel & Light Show
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
BALD KNOB LOOKOUT
6.5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Bald Knob Lookout is perched atop Bald Knob at an elevation of 3,630 feet in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The lookout offers visitors a unique lodging experience and panoramic views of the surrounding area. Originally developed in 1931 as a lookout site, Bald Knob served as an Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) observation station between 1942 and 1944. The Forest Service removed and replaced the original with the present flat top structure in 1963. The lookout tower is availabl
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other highlights along the Rogue River Trail include Rainie Falls and Whiskey Creek Cabin.
Wildlife
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, black bears, and various bird species. Be cautious and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Cities near Stair Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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