Are there fees or permits required for Yakso Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Yakso Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Yakso Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Yakso Falls.

Live Conditions · 169 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Yakso Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Yakso Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Yakso Falls.

Oregon • 70 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Yakso Falls

Yakso Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. It cascades over a mossy rock face surrounded by lush greenery, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The Setting

Yakso Falls sits at 3,097 feet within Umpqua National Forest, fed by the Steamboat Creek, in the mountains of Oregon. The falls drop 70 feet.

Height: 70 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Hemlock Falls (90 ft) lies 0.9 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Grotto Falls (25 ft, 5.6 mi).

Hemlock Falls Grotto Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Yakso Falls (#1519), a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

YAKSO FALLS #1519

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.73 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Yakso Falls is a short and relatively easy hike through a lush forest. The path is well-maintained and features gentle inclines, making it suitable for most visitors. The trail ends at a viewing area near the base of the falls.

What to Expect

The falls drop 70 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 Yakso Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Yakso Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Yakso Falls, as the water flow is strongest during this period.

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 may be slippery after rain, so exercise caution. Be aware of falling debris near the waterfall and stay on designated paths.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

169 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

213 285 994 1.2k

Based on 69 years of record

0.84 ft

Water depth at gauge

60°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

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 60 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.

STEAMBOAT CREEK NEAR GLIDE, OR

USGS 14316700

8.7 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 227 sq mi

Altitude: 1,129 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Yakso Falls is accessed via the Little River Road (County Road 17) and Forest Road 2715. The trailhead is located near the Lake in the Woods Campground.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, which can accommodate a limited number of vehicles.

Elevation

3097 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.224754° N, -122.715354° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit in the morning or early afternoon for the best lighting for photography. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months.

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This easy 1.4 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

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

HORSESHOE BEND CAMPGROUND (OR)

6.2 miles away · 25 sites

Reservable

Overview Horseshoe Bend Campground is situated in a stand of old growth Douglas fir, sugar pine, and deciduous trees, on the banks of the Wild & Scenic North Umpqua River. The campground offers the perfect setting for families, anglers, whitewater enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to escape and relax in their natural surroundings. Recreation Horseshoe Bend Campground is in a prime location for many outdoor activities including hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, swimming, and whitewater rafting

Book on Recreation.gov