Shellburg Falls
Stayton, Oregon
Details
Distance
3.7 miles
Elevation Gain
520 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Jhamil Bader
THIS HIKE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. Lower and Upper Shellburg Falls (100ft). Moss-covered arches lead to an observation deck and a natural cavern is behind the falls. Lush, moss-covered forest surrounding upper & lower falls. Remote, minimal hikers during spring months.
This hike is currently closed due to fire damage. Please check the Oregon.gov website or the call the Oregon Department of Forestry (503-859-4344) for updates.
The hike, including the initial 1.25 mile gravel road to the trailhead, is easy to complete within 1-2 hours and only requires a moderate level of fitness. Snacks and water are recommended. Trailhead: 44.806001, -122.62546. Being remote, there are very few hikers on the trails most days, so one shouldn't have a problem finding parking or avoiding crowds. There is extra parking space along the roadside if you do arrive at an unusually populated time.
The two unique features of Upper Shellburg Falls (44.81201, -122.60802) are moss covered arches leading to an observation deck at the basin of the falls and a large carved out cavern that runs behind the falls. One should be cautious when walking behind the falls as the ground can be extremely muddy and slick during the winter and early spring seasons. The small bridge at the trailhead gives an impressive lookout at Lower Shellburg Falls and the ravine below. You can also check out Stasel Falls, which is only a short walk past the trail head and down a small trail to the right off the road.
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Shellburg Falls Reviews
The map for the falls led me to a gated road about 2 miles off the highway. Signs posted said the land was privately owned by Weyerhaeuser Columbia Timber. Passes can be purchased to access the land - however I would recommend staying away from this area. In the spring and fall, Weyerhaeuser is known to use herbicides to control their forests leaving the underbrush unsafe for exposure to pets and humans. I'm disappointed to hear that Weyerhaeuser owns land and is harvesting timber so close to a healthy stream. I would not suggest this hike to anyone, but I would urge the environmentally conscious to make complaints to state and local government. There is no room for big timber in our recreation areas.
1.0
Found this place by accident while looking for camping near Silver Falls State Park. The falls are awesome and feel very secluded.
4.0
Forests as dense as this one elude written description. The trail system here could be explored for days if one really wanted to do so. All of the moss along the trees and plants near the creek create incredible visuals and refreshing experiences.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
South Silver Falls
Trail of Ten Falls Loop
Camp in Silver Falls State Park
Abiqua Falls
Upper Butte Creek Falls
Henline Falls Trail
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