Are there fees or permits required for Stout Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Stout Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Stout Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Stout Creek Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Stout Creek Falls near Lyons, Oregon, showing about 137 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 90 ft³/s · About average

Stout Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Stout Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Stout Creek Falls.

Oregon • 34 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Forest Development Fund (Board Of Forestry) SRMA · SDNR

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Stout Creek Falls

Stout Creek Falls is a quiet, 34-foot cascade tucked into Marion County, Oregon, that drops into a small, fern-fringed pool—an ideal spot for hikers seeking a peaceful nature break. The setting feels secluded but approachable, with mossy boulders and mixed conifer forest framing the falls. The land is managed by SDNR under the Forest Development Fund (Board of Forestry), designated as an SRMA and overseen by SLB, so visitors should expect a managed-forest experience rather than a wilderness setting. The falls sit in a waterfall-rich part of the western Cascade foothills; nearby Ayers Falls—on Ayers Creek, the smallest tributary of Stout Creek—lies on the outer edge of Santiam State Forest near Mehama, where the Mount Hood National Forest foothills meet the Middle Santiam Wilderness. That concentration of streams and steep terrain means Stout Creek Falls is one of several rewarding short hikes in the region, making it a pleasant stop on a broader exploration of Marion County’s waterfalls.

The Setting

Stout Creek Falls sits at 1,699 feet within Forest Development Fund (Board Of Forestry), fed by the Little North Santiam River, in the hills of Oregon. The falls drop 34 feet.

Height: 34 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Shellburg Falls (100 ft) lies 1.7 miles to the west.

Shellburg Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The out-and-back route to Stout Creek Falls is about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, typically rated moderate. The trail threads through mixed forest and can have uneven or muddy sections—wet-season footwear and steady footing are recommended. Trail users should expect a moderate climb rather than steep technical sections; the path leads directly to the falls and the small pool at its base. (Waterfall height: 34 feet.)

What to Expect

The falls drop 34 feet. 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 Stout Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Stout Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to seasonal rains and snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery, especially during wet conditions. Exercise caution near the waterfall edge, as rocks may be unstable. Cell service is limited, so inform someone of your plans before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

90 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

25 31 108 310

Based on 94 years of record

2.89 ft

Water depth at gauge

57°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 57 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.5 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.9 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

7.5

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

49 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

LITTLE NORTH SANTIAM RIVER NEAR MEHAMA, OR

USGS 14182500

1.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 112 sq mi

Altitude: 655 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE NORTH SANTIAM RIVER NEAR MEHAMA, OR (3 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

90 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

90 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

102 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

90 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

92 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

98 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

106 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

102 cfs

9/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early January to late January, 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 Lyons 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.

1-meter lidar measures about 137 feet of descent through Stout Creek Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 34 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 1,683 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 65 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 48 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Stout Creek Falls near Lyons, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,683 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 137 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Stout Creek Falls is located near Mehama, Oregon. Access typically involves driving on gravel roads and a short hike to reach the falls. The trailhead is not well-marked, so using GPS coordinates or detailed directions is recommended.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is limited and located along the side of the road near the trailhead. Visitors should ensure they do not block access roads or private property.

Elevation

1,699 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.813889° N, -122.573889° W

Land Management

Forest Development Fund (Board Of Forestry) SRMA

Managed by SLB

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy shoes, especially during the rainy season, as the trail can be muddy. Consider visiting early in the day to avoid any potential crowds and to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.

Where to Stay

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

Aquila Vista Recreation Site

12.4 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Aquila Vista is closed until further notice to remove wildfire burned danger trees. Aquila Vista is available for overnight group camping for groups up to 30 people and 20 vehicles. The season, when it reopens, will be mid-May through mid-October. The site is located in the heart of the forest next to a large beaver pond. There is plenty of hiking and natural beauty to see at Aquila Vista including a small waterfall. Amenities include vault toilet, two group picnic shelters with multiple

Book on Recreation.gov