Added by Jhamil Bader
10 gorgeous waterfalls throughout one hike.
The unique feature of South Falls, Lower South Falls, and Middle North Falls are the paths that pass behind the falls providing an amazing visual and auditory experience; however, be sure to have a good bag for your equipment to avoid water damage and a decent jacket (preferably water-resistant). One should be cautious when walking behind the waterfalls as the ground can be slippery or icy depending on the season and can cause falls.
The hike, along with the two offshoots is easily to complete within 2-3 hours even with stopping to shoot and can be done at most levels of fitness. There is also a 4-mile bike trail if you wish to do some cycling while you're there. If you're looking to learn a bit of Oregon's history or want a bite to eat, the South Falls Lodge is open most days from 11 am to 6pm.
If you are a snack person, bringing along some almonds, trail mix, apple slices or other such goodies make the 2-3 hour hike much more enjoyable. At least 1 water bottle’s worth of water is recommended per person as well.
It’s best to arrive between 7 am and 8 am for the optimum lighting conditions and to avoid crowds. Pets are allowed in most areas of the park including the picnic areas, but are prohibited on the trails.
Location Coordinates: 44.856389, -122.608611
Pack List
- $5 Day Use Parking Fee
- Running or Hiking shoes
- Water resistant bag (minimum and a must) to protect your camera and gear
- Water
- Snacks
- Nikon D3200 entry-level camera
- 18-55mm kit lens
- A variable ND filter (as most of the waterfalls are relatively shaded if you shoot between 7am-10am)
- 11-14mm wide angle or an 18-200mm telephoto lens, preferably with ED glass (if you have the $$$)
- Camping gear (optional)
Reviews
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3 months ago
Beautiful Day Hike
I did this hike on a grey, showery day in September and it was beautiful. Flow was good but not as high as I've seen in others pictures. If you can manage, the hike down to the bottom of North Falls is worth it and a great perspective.
6 months ago
Crazy Hike
I was visiting the town of Corvallis and this was the perfect hike to get out of town for a day. I did the rim trail around but instead I cut it in half so it only took about 2 hours. We saw 7 of the falls. Great restaurant at the head of the trail too.
8 months ago
Awesome trail run
This is a wide, user-friendly trail that's also great for running. Other reviewers are right in that this place gets incredibly crowded in the summer, even mid-week, so pick an off-time or off-day if you want to really zoom on this trail without having to worry about passing solo and group hikers.
10 months ago
Wow!
This place is incredible! Fall colors were amazing, lots of people tho. Well worth the visit!
about 1 year ago
over 1 year ago
Summer Not Ideal
I camp at this campground every summer and do the hike. I didn't realize how weak the waterfalls are in the summer until I visited in the late fall one year. These falls are awesome during the fall/winter months because they are raging with water. If you opt to do this adventure, I would do it in the fall!
over 1 year ago
A must see!
Absolutely a must see when you're in the area! So much awesomeness in one area!! Crowded on weekends and holidays.
over 1 year ago
Nice Scenery, Too Many People
We did this hike one of the last nice weekends before winter set in. The falls were beautiful and the hike was pretty easy, but there were a lot of people for a hiking trail and not everyone obeys the no dogs rule.
over 1 year ago
Great hike for a rainy day!
If you're looking for the perfect hike for a rainy day (and there are plenty of those in the Northwest!), this is one to put on your radar! During a big rain the waterfalls are running at full capacity, so you get to see them at their most spectacular. And the opaque light of a rainy day brings out the greens in the mosses that cover everything in the park!
over 1 year ago
Amazing in Winter
If you get the chance to make this excursion during the winter when the falls begin to freeze over, you are in for a real treat! I would definitely recommend bringing trekking poles and traction devices for your shoes for crossing some of the frozen-over pathways behind a few of the falls. So amazing in winter!
almost 2 years ago
Stunning photography hike!
Definitely give yourself plenty of time to photograph all the amazing waterfalls. I would honestly hike it different at different times of day to really see all it has to offer. FYI no dogs on this trail :(
almost 2 years ago
We hiked all 10 miles with our kids ages 9, 7, & 4. They did fantastic and we loved seeing all the waterfalls and comparing them. We also stayed at the campground which was very nice!
over 2 years ago
Great hike for beginners, especially gorgeous in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
Activities:
Photography, Hiking
Skill Level:
Beginner
Season:
Year Round
Trail Type:
Loop
Distance:
8.7 Miles
Elev. Gain:
1300 Feet
Rating:
Features:
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