Are there fees or permits required for Upper Trestle Creek Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Upper Trestle Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Upper Trestle Creek Falls.

Nearby gauge (Middle Fork Willamette River) · 790 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Upper Trestle Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Upper Trestle Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Upper Trestle Creek Falls.

Oregon • 60 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (3)

James Wellington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.5 miles

Trail Type

Loop

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Upper Trestle Creek Falls

Upper Trestle Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. It is known for its unique feature of allowing visitors to walk behind the cascading water, offering a stunning perspective of the falls and surrounding forest.

The Setting

Upper Trestle Creek Falls sits at 2,585 feet within Umpqua National Forest, in the hills of Oregon. The falls drop 60 feet.

Height: 60 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Lower Trestle Creek Falls (60 ft) lies 0.4 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Spirit Falls (40 ft, 5.5 mi) and Upper Parker Falls (35 ft, 2.6 mi).

Lower Trestle Creek Falls Spirit Falls Upper Parker Falls

Trail & Hike Details

3.5 mi distance 800 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Trestle Creek (#1403C), a 3.5-mile loop trail over natural surface. Expect 800 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

TRESTLE CREEK #1403C

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.23 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Upper Trestle Creek Falls is a scenic loop that winds through lush forest, featuring moss-covered trees, ferns, and occasional views of Brice Creek. The trail includes some steep sections and narrow paths, particularly near the falls. Hikers will pass Lower Trestle Creek Falls before reaching the upper falls, where they can walk behind the cascading water.

What to Expect

The falls drop 60 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 Trestle Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Trestle Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides drier trail conditions.

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

The trail can be slippery, especially near the falls and after rain. Exercise caution on narrow sections and near drop-offs. Always stay on the marked trail to avoid getting lost.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 11 minutes ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Middle Fork Willamette River, 11.3 miles away, not on Upper Trestle Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

790 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

852 1.1k 2.8k 4.1k

Based on 104 years of record

2.06 ft

Water depth at gauge

51°F

Warm

Very comfortable

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 bracing 51 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 BLW N FORK, NR OAKRIDGE, OR.

USGS 14148000

11.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 924 sq mi

Altitude: 935 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MF WILLAMETTE RIVER BLW N FORK, NR OAKRIDGE, OR. (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

790 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

790 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

746 cfs

8/10

Fri

Strong

853 cfs

8/10

Sat

Strong

934 cfs

8/10

Sun

Strong

997 cfs

8/10

Mon

Strong

1105 cfs

8/10

Tue

Strong

1145 cfs

8/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to late May, 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.

Is Upper Trestle Creek Falls Frozen?

Updated about 5 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Upper Trestle Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 67°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: 801 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

Location & Access

Getting There

The trailhead for Upper Trestle Creek Falls is located near the town of Cottage Grove, Oregon. Visitors typically access the falls via the Brice Creek Trail, which connects to the Trestle Creek Falls Loop Trail.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Brice Creek Trailhead. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Hours

Elevation

2,585 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.651389° N, -122.651389° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes, as the trail can be muddy and slippery. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views, and consider packing a light rain jacket if you plan to walk behind the falls. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.

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With 3.5 miles and 800 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

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

5.9 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