Are there fees or permits required for Sweet Creek Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Sweet Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Sweet Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 221 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Sweet Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Sweet Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Sweet Creek Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Siuslaw National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

kightp CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

cramsay23 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Kilgub CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

250 ft

About Sweet Creek Falls

Sweet Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near Mapleton, Oregon, known for its lush surroundings and a series of smaller cascades leading up to the main falls. The area is part of the Siuslaw National Forest and offers a serene hiking experience through moss-covered trees and ferns.

The Setting

Sweet Creek Falls sits at 427 feet within Siuslaw National Forest, fed by the Siuslaw River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Sweet Creek (#1319), a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail over imported compacted material. Expect 250 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

SWEET CREEK #1319

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Imported Compacted Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

2.15 mi

Trail Description

The Sweet Creek Falls Trail is a well-maintained path that follows Sweet Creek, offering views of multiple smaller cascades before reaching the main waterfall. The trail is shaded, with wooden bridges and railings in some sections for safety.

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 Sweet Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Sweet Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Siuslaw National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions, and avoid the trail during heavy rain or storms.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

221 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

237 281 508 719

Based on 51 years of record

3.33 ft

Water depth at gauge

67°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a refreshing 67 degrees F, good for a quick swim.

About This Gauge

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

SIUSLAW RIVER NEAR MAPLETON, OR

USGS 14307620

8.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 588 sq mi

Altitude: 41 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SIUSLAW RIVER NEAR MAPLETON, OR (13 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

221 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

239 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Strong

262 cfs

7/10

Sun

Strong

248 cfs

8/10

Mon

Strong

236 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

214 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

203 cfs

9/10

Thu

Strong

211 cfs

8/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid December to late January, peaking in December.

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

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Sweet Creek Falls is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Mapleton, Oregon. From Highway 126, take Sweet Creek Road and follow signs to the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area at the trailhead, but it may fill up during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

427 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.946509° N, -123.903165° W

Land Management

Siuslaw National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes as the trail can be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Arrive early during weekends or holidays to avoid crowds. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.

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This easy 2.2 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.