Taylor Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Taylor Creek Falls
Taylor Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon. It is a serene destination surrounded by lush forest, offering visitors a peaceful retreat into nature. The waterfall is part of Taylor Creek, a tributary of the Rogue River.
The Setting
Taylor Creek Falls sits at 3,369 feet within Siskiyou National Forest, in the mountains of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Minnow Creek (#1156), a 4.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 500 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
MINNOW CREEK #1156
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
3.54 miTrail Description
The trail to Taylor Creek Falls is a moderately challenging hike that winds through a dense forest of Douglas firs and other native vegetation. The path follows Taylor Creek, offering scenic views of the creek and surrounding landscape. The trail is well-maintained but may have some uneven or rocky sections.
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 Taylor Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Taylor Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Siskiyou National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Check weather and trail conditions before your visit, as heavy rain can make the trail muddy and hazardous. Carry a first aid kit and let someone know your hiking plans.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Applegate River, 12.9 miles away, not on Taylor Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
181 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 65 years of record
2.19 ft
Water depth at gauge
53°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 53 degrees F, limit your time 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 APPLEGATE RIVER NEAR WILDERVILLE, OR (21 km away).
Today
Moderate
181 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
179 cfs
9/10Fri
Strong
191 cfs
8/10Sat
Strong
197 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
200 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
202 cfs
8/10Tue
Strong
226 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early January to early February, peaking in March.
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 Selma hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Taylor Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Taylor Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 60°F to 49°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 181 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 Around Taylor Creek Falls
High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.
The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Taylor Creek Falls is located off the Taylor Creek Trail in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The trailhead can be accessed via Forest Road 25, which is off Highway 199 near Grants Pass, Oregon. The road may be unpaved and rough in some sections, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead, but spaces may be limited, especially during peak seasons. Visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
3,369 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.467897° N, -123.606554° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail may be uneven in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Check trail conditions before heading out, as the area may experience closures or hazards after heavy rain or snow.
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With 4.5 miles and 500 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
Hampton Inn & Suites Grants Pass
Holiday Inn Express Grants Pass by IHG
Best Western Grants Pass Inn
Limpy Creek Access! Family Retreat in Grants Pass
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
ONION MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT
1.1 miles away · 0 sites
Overview THIS FACILITY IS CLOSED TO RESERVATIONS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Onion Mountain lookout sits atop a 12-foot tower at an elevation of 4,438 feet, offering guests expansive mountain views in southwestern Oregon. The original Onion Mountain Lookout was a raised platform, built on top of a tower in 1916. In 1924, a second lookout without a tower was built on site. The current structure was placed on site in 1952 and served as a fire lookout and Aircraft Warning Service observation station. The l
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Rogue River, Hellgate Canyon, and the Oregon Caves National Monument.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and numerous bird species. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Taylor Creek Falls
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