Steamboat Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 33 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Steamboat Falls

Oregon • 25 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service
Photo Credits (5)
1.
F. E..... CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr
2.
Rolling Stone2009 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr
3.
F.Eatherington CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr
4.
5.

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.1 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Steamboat Falls

Steamboat Falls tumbles about 25 feet over a broad rock ledge on the North Umpqua River, offering a classic Pacific Northwest scene of mossy basalt and steady, photogenic flow. The falls sit within the Umpqua National Forest and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, so the setting retains a well-kept, forested character that’s easy to enjoy whether you’re stopping for photos or a short riverside break. Access to the falls is straightforward: USFS records list the official access as NFST-3800100 (Trail #T3800100), a short, well-used segment that brings visitors close to the water. Many hikers combine that access with a longer out-and-back route (about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain) for a moderately paced hike. If you’re camping, the Steamboat Ball Field Group Site is nearby — roughly 8.03 km from the falls — making this an easy day loop from a close campsite.

The Setting

Steamboat Falls sits at 1,401 feet within Umpqua National Forest, fed by the Steamboat Creek, in the foothills of Oregon. The falls drop 25 feet.

Height: 25 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Grotto Falls (25 ft) lies 12.4 miles to the southwest.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Nfst 3800100 (#T3800100), a 0.1-mile out-and-back trail over imported loose material. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

NFST-3800100 #T3800100

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Imported Loose Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.19 mi

Trail Description

The Forest Service identifies the primary access as NFST-3800100 (Trail #T3800100). USFS data characterizes this segment as a Class 2 trail with an imported loose-material surface and a typical grade of 12–20%; its mapped GIS length is 0.19 miles. Many visitors, however, experience Steamboat Falls as part of a roughly 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with about 350 feet of elevation gain; that longer route is generally rated moderate. Expect a short, somewhat steep approach on loose surfacing in places, so sturdy footwear and steady footing are recommended.

What to Expect

The falls drop a gentle 25 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 Steamboat Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Steamboat Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall typically has the highest flow during these seasons.

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

Rocks near the falls can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and exercise caution. During winter, icy conditions may make the area hazardous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

33 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 69 years of record

0.11 ft

Water depth at gauge

60°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 60 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

USGS 14316700
4.7 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 227 sq mi
Altitude: 1,129 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge STEAMBOAT CREEK NEAR GLIDE, OR (8 km away).

High confidence
Roaring right now
33 cfs
↑ Rising
100100100100100100100TodayTomorrowSunMonTueWedThu

Today

Roaring

37 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

37 cfs

8/10

Sun

Roaring

36 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

35 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

35 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

35 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

34 cfs

9/10

Best window: Sun — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid 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 Glide hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Steamboat Falls is located off Highway 138, approximately 38 miles east of Roseburg, Oregon. Follow signs for the Steamboat Falls Campground, which provides easy access to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the Steamboat Falls Campground, which is free to use. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,401 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.373651° N, -122.640605° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during spring or early summer for the best water flow. Arrive early during weekends to secure parking, as the area can get busy. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.

Where to Stay

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

Nearby Campground

STEAMBOAT BALL FIELD GROUP SITE

5 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Steamboat Ball Field Group Site sits near the banks of the North Umpqua River under a canopy of forest. With access to a multitude of recreational opportunities, including a ball field, river access and a handful of trailheads within the area, this campsite offers an ideal setting for group camping and recreation excursions.Recreation Fishing, hiking and swimming top the list of activities at this site. With wide open spaces, along with a ball field and horseshoe pits, this campground of

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include the North Umpqua Trail, Toketee Falls, and Umpqua Hot Springs.

Wildlife

The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and fish. Keep an eye out for native species while exploring.

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