Are there fees or permits required for Stuart Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Stuart Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Stuart Falls.

Live Conditions · 94 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Stuart Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Stuart Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Stuart Falls.

Oregon • Crater Lake National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Rogue River National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

ex_magician CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Stuart Falls

Tucked into the forests of southern Oregon, Stuart Falls sits within the Rogue River National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The cascade is a peaceful, wooded destination easily reached from nearby trailheads and makes a great half-day outing for hikers exploring the Crater Lake area. Stuart Falls is also close to Crater Lake National Park — home to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States formed in the caldera of Mount Mazama — which helps place this waterfall in a region known for dramatic volcanic scenery and old-growth forest.

The Setting

Stuart Falls sits at 5,440 feet within Crater Lake National Park, fed by the South Fork Rogue River, in the high mountains of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Stuart Falls Trail (#1078), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

STUART FALLS TRAIL #1078

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

3.32 mi

Trail Description

Access to the falls is via the USFS Stuart Falls Trail (Trail #1078). USFS trail data lists the route as Class 3 with a native-material surface; the agency’s GIS records put the trail length at about 3.32 miles. Many guide sources and hikers report the outing as a roughly 2.4-mile out-and-back with about 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate in difficulty. Expect a forested singletrack managed by the U.S. Forest Service through Rogue River National Forest. The trail’s native-material tread and Class 3 designation mean it’s a straightforward forest hike with moderate climbing over uneven natural surfaces; plan for a moderate effort and allow time to enjoy the falls at the end of the route.

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 Stuart Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Stuart Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Stuart Falls, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer 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 Crater Lake National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery after rain, and there are some steep sections. Always stay on marked trails and be cautious near the waterfall. Cell service may be limited in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

94 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

24 97 338 440

Based on 76 years of record

7.98 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

SOUTH FORK ROGUE RIVER NEAR PROSPECT, OR

USGS 14332000

11.0 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 84 sq mi

Altitude: 3,360 ft

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Prospect hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Stuart Falls is located near the southern boundary of Crater Lake National Park. The trailhead is typically accessed from the Union Creek area or via the Annie Creek Sno-Park. Visitors should check local maps and trail guides for the most accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

5440 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.799082° N, -122.212910° W

Land Management

Rogue River National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Bug spray is recommended during warmer months. Start early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the hike.

This trail sits at 5,440 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 22% 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.

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

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

Crater Lake Lodge

11.0 miles away · 0 sites

The Crater Lake Lodge, built in 1915 and a member of Historic Hotels of America® since 2012 was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation® for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels across America. A grand northwest lodge, the historic 71-guestroom Crater Lake Lodge originally opened in 1915 on the edge of one of the country's crown jewels-Crater Lake. No place else

Book on Recreation.gov