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.

Nearby gauge (South Fork Rogue River) · 49 ft³/s · Higher 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 Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Rogue River National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

ex_magician CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

8.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

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, in the high mountains of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Annie Falls (53 ft) lies 5.2 miles to the east.

Annie Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Stuart Falls Trail (#1078), a 8.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. 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. 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 22 minutes ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Fork Rogue River, 11 miles away, not on Stuart Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

49 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1 2 21 75

Based on 77 years of record

7.49 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher 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 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 84 sq mi

Altitude: 3,360 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH FORK ROGUE RIVER NEAR PROSPECT, OR (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

49 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

49 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

41 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

42 cfs

9/10

Mon

Moderate

39 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

45 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

38 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

51 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Prospect 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 130 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 5,437 feet.

Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 130 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Stuart Falls near Prospect, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Stuart Falls near Prospect, Oregon, showing about 130 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,437 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 130 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

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

5,440 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.

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

Crater Lake Lodge

11 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