Upper Black Bar Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
This is a river rapid roughly 9 trail miles from the Grave Creek trailhead on the Rogue River Trail, reached only on a long day hike, a backpacking trip or by boat.
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Upper Black Bar Falls
Upper Black Bar Falls is a Class III rapid on the Rogue River, about 8 river miles below the Grave Creek boat ramp and just upstream of Black Bar Lodge, in the BLM-managed Wild and Scenic section. It is a whitewater feature known mainly to rafters rather than a waterfall on a side stream. The Rogue River Trail runs through this part of the canyon, but the spot is a long hike from the nearest trailhead.
The Setting
Upper Black Bar Falls sits at 492 feet within Rogue River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no short trail here. The Rogue River National Recreation Trail starts at Grave Creek, and BLM lists Black Bar Lodge 9.3 trail miles from Grave Creek, so reaching this stretch on foot means a round trip of roughly 18 miles or a multi-day backpack. BLM describes the trail as hiking only, closed to motorized vehicles, bicycles and pack animals.
What to Expect
Expect a whitewater rapid in a remote river canyon rather than a vertical waterfall. Boaters scout it from the right bank, and Lower Black Bar Falls, another Class III rapid, is just downstream.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Upper Black Bar Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Black Bar Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and along the trail. Watch for poison oak and wildlife. Always let someone know your hiking plans.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on West Fork Cow Creek, 12.1 miles away, not on Upper Black Bar Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
5 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 71 years of record
2.01 ft
Water depth at gauge
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.
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 WEST FORK COW CREEK NEAR GLENDALE, OR (19 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
3/10Mon
Low
7 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
8 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early April, peaking in January.
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 Glendale 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.
3-meter lidar measures about 158 feet of descent through Upper Black Bar Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 494 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 326 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 234 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
- 494 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 158 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
The Rogue River Trail begins at the Grave Creek Boat Launch, reached from Grants Pass via the Merlin-Galice Road and the Grave Creek bridge; the trailhead is on the west side of the boat landing. The rapid is near river mile 8 below Grave Creek, close to Black Bar Lodge.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Hikers start from the Grave Creek trailhead by the boat launch. BLM lists no fees for the Rogue River Trail.
Elevation
492 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.652057° N, -123.729799° W
Land Management
Managed by BLM
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail may have uneven terrain. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Check trail conditions before visiting, as weather or seasonal changes can impact accessibility.
Where to Stay
Blissful Solitude Cottage
Hampton Inn & Suites Grants Pass
Holiday Inn Express Grants Pass by IHG
Best Western Grants Pass Inn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
ONION MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT
14.8 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.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Rogue River, Hellgate Canyon, and the historic town of Galice.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally black bears. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Cities near Upper Black Bar Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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