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
This was a great hike. I took my two little girls 7 and 9, nice and easy for them. Total time including hanging out at the falls was about 3hrs. Great little picnic table at about the halfway point to sit and have some snacks. I would mind going back and running this on my own. The Google directions were not very good took me to a closed gate. You want to take Fernridge Rd at the east end of Gates, about 1.2 miles from HWY 22 with a clear parking area on the right side of the road. No fee.
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