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Hike to Clearwater Falls

Douglas County, Oregon

4.3/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

0.5 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Mark Handy

This half mile roundtrip hike to clearwater falls is an easy trip to this stunning waterfall. The hike has minimal elevation gain and easy access with a nearby parking lot.

This has to be one of the most overlooked waterfalls in Oregon. It doesn't get a lot of publicity, and it's tucked away in south-central Oregon. As such, many people don't pay it much attention. That's too bad.

Clearwater Falls can be found just off Highway 138, near mile marker 69. Clearwater Falls is easily accessed from a nearby parking lot. The path from the parking lot is well developed and runs parallel to the Clearwater River. It's a beautiful walk.

The waterfall itself is just about 30 feet in height, which is relatively modest. But don't let the size of the falls dissuade you from visiting. It's a fascinating little spring-fed waterfall, meaning that it flows year-round. For that reason, hikers who decide to explore will find that the river is placid above and below the falls area.

One will also notice a logjam at the bottom of the falls. This occurs because the flow is simply not powerful enough to push the logs further downstream. What you end up with, then, is a river of fallen logs that make for a wonderful scene.

If you have a half day to explore this area, you will be rewarded by its beauty. Walking up and down the river yields plenty of spectacular scenes.

Key Coordinates:
- Clearwater Falls: 43.248744, -122.228363

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall

Hike to Clearwater Falls Reviews

One of my favorites if not my favorite waterfall in the area. The water was extremely clear. We had it almost to ourselves on a sunny day in July. Don’t skip this one.

Me and my friends like roughing it, we hiked up the face of the hill/cliff, and at the top we found a awesome clear pond where you could see the lines on your hands under five feet, it was awesome, great location, we camped at Diamond lake, and then we hiked up too three other falls, 10/10.

If you turn onto Forest Road 4785 before the turn off for the falls, you camp park right at the top of the falls. There is also a great little self serve campground there.

Definitely worth stopping at if you're in the area. Nice spot for a picnic that doesn't see a ton of people.

Beautiful falls year round. The winter time is must see for this falls with snow surrounding it, it is mesmerizing. Easy hike for anyone.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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