Are there fees or permits required for Upper Parker Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Upper Parker Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Upper Parker Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Upper Parker Falls.

Live Conditions · 556 ft³/s · About average

Upper Parker Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Upper Parker Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Upper Parker Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Upper Parker Falls

Upper Parker Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. It is part of the Parker Falls trail system and offers visitors a serene and lush forest setting with cascading waters.

The Setting

Upper Parker Falls sits at 2,753 feet within Umpqua National Forest, fed by the Mf Willamette River Abv Salt Crk,, in the hills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Upper Trestle Creek Falls (60 ft) lies 2.6 miles to the west. Also nearby: Lower Trestle Creek Falls (60 ft, 2.8 mi).

Upper Trestle Creek Falls Lower Trestle Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Parker Falls (#1415), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

PARKER FALLS #1415

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.77 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Upper Parker Falls is a moderately challenging hike through a dense forest with occasional views of Brice Creek. The path is well-maintained but may have muddy or slippery sections, especially after rain. The waterfall itself is a beautiful cascade surrounded by moss-covered rocks and lush vegetation.

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 Upper Parker Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Parker Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and along the trail. Watch for poison oak and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

556 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

419 500 1.1k 1.3k

Based on 91 years of record

2.89 ft

Water depth at gauge

54°F

Cold

Bracing — 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 54 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.

MF WILLAMETTE RIVER ABV SALT CRK, NEAR OAKRIDGE,OR

USGS 14145500

10.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 392 sq mi

Altitude: 1,208 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MF WILLAMETTE RIVER ABV SALT CRK, NEAR OAKRIDGE,OR (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

556 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

634 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

626 cfs

4/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

554 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

515 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

492 cfs

5/10

Thu

Low

525 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

545 cfs

4/10

Best window: Mon — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid November to late December, 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 Westfir hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Upper Parker Falls is accessed via the Parker Falls Trailhead, located off Forest Road 4714 in the Umpqua National Forest. The trailhead can be reached by driving from Cottage Grove, Oregon, along Row River Road and Brice Creek Road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but it is limited and may fill up during peak seasons.

Elevation

2,753 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.637500° N, -122.603889° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be slippery in places. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Check weather conditions before heading out, as rain can make the trail more challenging.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.0 miles and 300 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.

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.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

RUJADA DAY USE PICNIC AREA

8.4 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

Overview Rujada Day Use Picnic Area is set along the banks of Layng Creek, with a large, open grassy area amidst a scattering of Douglas fir. Rujada is a perfect setting for family reunions, parties or group getaways.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking and biking in summer and early fall. The large grassy field is perfect for group activities or sports, and a playground and horseshoe pit are also provided on-site. Hikers will enjoy a moderately challenging hike on Swordfer

Book on Recreation.gov