Sullivan Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Sullivan Creek Falls
Sullivan Creek Falls is a quiet, forested cascade tucked into Oregon’s Willamette National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls sit along Sullivan Creek and offer a peaceful retreat among firs and mixed conifers, making it a rewarding destination for hikers who prefer a less-crowded natural setting. The site’s woodland character and approachable scale make it a pleasant half-day outing for families and day hikers alike. The most direct route to the falls follows the U.S. Forest Service’s NASTY ROCK Trail (Trail #3356). This out-and-back route is moderate in difficulty and covers roughly 2.4 miles round trip (about 2.22 GIS miles) with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain. As part of the Willamette National Forest trail network, NASTY ROCK provides a natural-surface path through classic Cascade forest, making the waterfall a satisfying reward at the end of a short, steady climb.
The Setting
Sullivan Creek Falls sits at 2,044 feet within Willamette National Forest, fed by the North Santiam River, in the hills of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Nasty Rock (#3356), a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
NASTY ROCK #3356
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
2.22 miTrail Description
NASTY ROCK (USFS Trail #3356) is an out-and-back route of roughly 2.4 miles (≈2.22 GIS miles) with about 350 feet of elevation gain. The USFS classifies the trail as Class 2, with a native material surface and a typical grade of 12–20%, so expect sustained uphill sections that are moderately challenging but do not require technical gear. Trail footing is natural (dirt/forest floor), and the route is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service within the Willamette National Forest; plan for a moderate-paced hike to reach Sullivan Creek Falls.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through a forested area, culminating in a view of Sullivan Creek Falls. The waterfall may vary in flow depending on the season, with higher flows in spring and early summer due to snowmelt.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sullivan Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sullivan Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Willamette National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. The trail may be muddy or uneven, especially after rain. Always stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
1,500 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 97 years of record
3.38 ft
Water depth at gauge
55°F
ColdBracing — 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 55 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.2 and mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
pH
NormalWithin healthy range (6.5-8.5)
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NORTH SANTIAM RIVER AT NIAGARA, OR (10 km away).
Today
Low
1710 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
1605 cfs
6/10Sun
Barely Flowing
1500 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
1500 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
1620 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
1680 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
1680 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — 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 Detroit 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 305 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 2,066 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 191 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 140 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,066 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 305 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sullivan Creek Falls is located in a remote area of Oregon. Access typically involves driving on forest roads, which may be unpaved or rough in sections. Specific directions should be verified with local resources or maps.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is limited and may consist of roadside pullouts or small clearings near the trailhead.
Elevation
2,044 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.840556° N, -122.265556° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and check weather conditions before visiting. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Where to Stay
Rushing River Retreat
Remote Escape Riverside Home with Scenic Views
Walk to Detroit Lake! Family Home with Outdoor Oasis
Oregon Vacation Rental about half Mi to Santiam River!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
Elk Lake Campground
6.9 miles away · 0 sites
This 17 site tent-only campground, located adjacent to the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses, is full of beauty in the summer. Wildflowers are a beautiful sight in the campground's meadows around July. Swim or paddle in the quiet waters of the non-motorized lake, go for a great hike with views of multiple Cascade peaks, or just kick back and relax in the campground.
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Estacada, Oregon
Bagby Hot Springs
Bagby Hot Springs flows at 136°F deep in Mount Hood National Forest at 2,272 feet elevation, requiring a 3,720-foot hike from F...
Breitenbush Hot Springs
Breitenbush Hot Springs emerges at 198°F along the Breitenbush River, ranking as one of Oregon's hottest thermal features with ...
Austin Hot Springs
Austin Hot Springs discharges at 186°F along the Clackamas River at 1,680 feet elevation, emerging just 310 feet from Clackamas...
Bigelow Hot Springs
Bigelow Hot Springs, also called Deer Creek Hot Springs, emerges at 142°F just 400 feet from Deer Creek Road in the Willamette ...
Foley Springs
Foley Springs emerges at 178°F in the Cascade Range of Lane County, making it one of Oregon's hottest thermal features with rec...
Belknap Springs
Belknap Springs flows at 160°F along the McKenzie River in the Cascade Range, emerging just 510 feet from North Belknap Springs...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Estacada, Oregon on SoakingSprings.
Explore Oregon springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls and hiking trails in the area may be worth exploring. Check local maps for additional points of interest.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near Sullivan Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Sullivan Creek Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.