Is swimming allowed at Strawberry Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Strawberry Falls.

Strawberry Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Strawberry Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Strawberry Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Malheur National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

cramsay23 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Ben Amstutz CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

cramsay23 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

400 ft

About Strawberry Falls

Strawberry Falls is a picturesque waterfall tucked into the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in eastern Oregon, managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Malheur National Forest (NF). The falls are prized for their serene setting and the easy access from trails that lead down toward nearby Strawberry Lake, making this a favorite outing for hikers and nature lovers seeking a peaceful alpine water feature. The hike to Strawberry Falls is approachable and welcoming to most skill levels: it follows an out-and-back route through lush forest, with opportunities to pause for lake views and quiet wildlife observation. Managed by the USFS, the site feels remote yet easily reachable for a half-day adventure, offering a classic Oregon mountain-wilderness experience without a long slog in.

The Setting

Strawberry Falls sits at 6,634 feet within Malheur National Forest, in the high mountains of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Slide Falls (80 ft) lies 1.6 miles to the east.

Slide Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.5 mi distance 400 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 2.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 400 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This is an easy, 2.5-mile out-and-back route with about 400 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well-defined and passes through shaded forest, opening occasionally to views of Strawberry Lake before dropping a short distance to the falls. The route is straightforward and family-friendly, suitable for hikers looking for a relaxed day hike in the Malheur National Forest (managed by the USFS).

What to Expect

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 Strawberry Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Strawberry Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Strawberry Falls is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall also offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Malheur National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially at higher elevations. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge JOHN DAY R AT BLUE MTN HOT SPGS NR PRAIRIE CITY,OR (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

25 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

26 cfs

2/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

27 cfs

2/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

26 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

26 cfs

2/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

27 cfs

2/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

27 cfs

2/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

27 cfs

2/10

Best window: Tue — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late June, peaking in May.

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 Prairie City hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Strawberry Falls Frozen?

Updated about 21 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded 5 more freezing days forecast

Strawberry Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°F to 30°F. 5 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 5 of the next 7
Flow: 25 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

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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 240 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,628 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 204 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 47 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Strawberry Falls near Prairie City, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Strawberry Falls near Prairie City, Oregon, showing about 240 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 6,628 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 240 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Strawberry Falls is accessed via the Strawberry Basin Trailhead, which is located near Prairie City, Oregon. From Prairie City, take County Road 60 to Forest Road 6001, which leads to the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Strawberry Basin Trailhead. The parking area may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

6,634 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.296424° N, -118.693224° W

Land Management

Malheur National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail may be uneven in some areas. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be present. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the trail before it gets crowded.

This trail sits at 6,634 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 27% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 2.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

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

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

Nearby Campground

Big Creek Campground

8.5 miles away · 15 sites

Reservable

Overview Big Creek Campground sits at the edge of beautiful Logan Valley along Big Creek and is a great starting point for multiple recreation opportunities, including mountain biking, hiking, stream fishing, hunting and bird watching and exploring the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. In the spring and early summer the area is exceptional for wildflower viewing.Recreation Big Creek Campground offers a central base for all your recreation activities. From casting a line in Big Creek to biking nearb

Book on Recreation.gov