Are there fees or permits required for Steamboat Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Steamboat Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Steamboat Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Steamboat Falls.

Live Conditions · 65 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Steamboat Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Steamboat Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Steamboat Falls.

Oregon • 25 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

F. E..... CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Rolling Stone2009 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

F.Eatherington CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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.

Grotto Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Nfst 3800100 (#T3800100), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over imported loose material. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. 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 not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

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 2 hours ago Low

65 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

79 98 189 276

Based on 69 years of record

0.32 ft

Water depth at gauge

64°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a refreshing 64 degrees F, good for a quick swim.

About This Gauge

STEAMBOAT CREEK NEAR GLIDE, OR

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).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

65 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

74 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

78 cfs

4/10

Sun

Moderate

74 cfs

5/10

Mon

Low

67 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

65 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

65 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

70 cfs

5/10

Best window: Mon — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

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.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Shelter Cove Resort & Marina

8.9 70 reviews

Umpqua's Last Resort - Wilderness Cabins, RV Park & Glamping

9.4 157 reviews

See all hotels near Glide

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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

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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