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Hike to Sweet Creek Waterfall

Mapleton, Oregon

4.8/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

2.2 miles

Elevation Gain

100 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Alex E

Hike and Explore the multiple waterfalls along the Sweet Creek Trail.

Make sure you add this hidden gem to your waterfall chasing plans on your road trip to Oregon. This underrated Oregon waterfall is the perfect hike for the entire family. The trail offers four different falls from 10-30 feet high. The trail slowly climbs 2.2 miles through a beautiful thick forest, following sweet creek. The multiple falls cascade into amazing clear pools deep enough to swim in. There are plenty of opportunities for photos from many different angles and unique features along the trail. There is a very cool wooden cat walk bridge that runs along a canyon wall and an old moss covered stairway leading to the falls. 

From Mapleton, Oregon turn off hwy 126 and take Sweet Creek Rd for 10 miles. You will see the first parking area on the right for the Sweet Creek trailhead. The first parking area is small and can become crowded in the summer months, but has the only restroom. If this parking lot is full you can drive another half mile down the road and find another parking area. Obviously you will miss some of the trail and waterfalls the further down the road you park. The best waterfalls are near the end of the trail, so if you don't want to hike the entire trail you can cut down on some hiking distance and elevation. The trail is dog friendly and free of charge.

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Features

Fitness
Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers

Hike to Sweet Creek Waterfall Reviews

This is one of my top 5 favourite family friendly hikes ever! The trail is absolutely gorgeous with waterfalls at every bend. We went in June and the main parking lot was full by 10, but there is another one just down the road. If you need the bathroom use it at the main parking lot as there isn’t one in the other lot. It’s an out and back trail so if you are starting at the 2nd parking lot don’t forget to hike to both ends of the trail, it’s so worth it. If it’s a warm day, the best part is you can swim while you are there. Great places for kids and adults to swim or just play in the water.

An easy hike with fairytale views

It's impossible to describe how otherworldly this trail and waterfall is in the middle of winter. Everything feels like Fanghorn Forest right out of Middle Earth.

2 mike either way, very nice waterfalls along the way!

Super easy hike with many smaller falls in the Coastal Range. Great half bridge and in the summer, tiger lilies grow from the cliff edges.

A conveniently short drive from Eugene, OR. If desired one can drive within 100m of the falls. Beautiful location for playing with long exposures. Highly recommend bringing water shoes of some kind to get into the shallow water and traverse the rocks downstream.

Leave No Trace

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

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