Upper Falls
Oregon • 25 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.6 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Upper Falls
Upper Falls is a charming 25-foot cascade tucked into publicly managed BLM lands in Oregon, overseen by the Bureau of Land Management’s Prineville Central Oregon Field Office. The falls sit within a quietly forested setting that makes for great photos and a peaceful outing. Many visitors combine Upper Falls with nearby cascades on the same loop—making it a rewarding short hike with multiple viewpoints along the way. The route to the falls is an approachable, family-friendly outing: the full loop covers about 1.6 miles with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain and is rated easy. The path is well-maintained and thoughtfully built to highlight the scenery, so it’s a pleasant half-day excursion for hikers seeking a short nature escape on public (PUB) BLM land.
The Setting
Upper Falls sits at 4,121 feet within Prineville Central Oregon Field Office, fed by the Sf Crooked River, in the mountains of Oregon. The falls drop 25 feet.
Height: 25 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.6-mile loop trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail: 1.6-mile loop, ~200 ft elevation gain, difficulty: easy. The trail is a well-marked loop that leads to Upper Falls and connects to nearby cascades; it includes boardwalk-style wooden bridges, treated stair systems, and viewing platforms at the falls. The tread is a maintained natural footpath with short built structures where needed to cross wet sections and to access viewpoints. Overall the grade is gentle—suitable for most hikers and families looking for a short, non-technical outing on BLM-managed lands.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 25 feet. 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 Upper Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to seasonal rains and snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution on wet or muddy sections of the trail, as they can be slippery. Stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
11 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SF CROOKED RIVER NEAR BELL BUTTE, NEAR PAULINA, OR (22 km away).
Today
Roaring
13 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
13 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
13 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
13 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
13 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
14 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
14 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid October to early December, peaking in November.
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 Mitchell 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 81 feet through Upper Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 25 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 4,123 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 94 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 153 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,123 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 81 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Upper Falls is located within McDowell Creek Falls County Park, near Lebanon, Oregon. The park is accessible via McDowell Creek Drive, and clear signage directs visitors to the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Free parking is available at the McDowell Creek Falls County Park trailhead. The parking area is well-maintained and typically has sufficient space.
Elevation
4,121 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.255030° N, -120.100484° W
Land Management
Managed by BLM
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Arrive early during weekends to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
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This easy 1.6 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.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
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
Cold Springs Cabin - Ochoco NF (OR)
7.2 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Cold Springs Guard Station, constructed in 1934, is a historic site tucked into the Ochoco National Forest. It served a special role as the switchboard station connecting phone calls between various fire lookouts and guard stations during the summer months, as well as housing for the fire guard and his family. The current cabin replaced an earlier one that was destroyed by fire. Cold Springs Guard Station continued to be used by Forest Service employees into the 1990s, and remnants of it
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Upper Falls, Oregon on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in McDowell Creek Falls County Park, including Royal Terrace Falls and Majestic Falls. The nearby town of Lebanon offers dining and shopping options.
Wildlife
The area is home to birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see various species of ferns and wildflowers along the trail.
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Upper Falls
27 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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