Hiking to the Waterfalls of Umpqua National Forest: A Comprehensive Guide
Umpqua National Forest, nestled in the heart of southern Oregon, boasts a breathtaking landscape shaped by powerful geological forces thousands of years ago. With its diverse scenery, including alpine lakes, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls, Umpqua National Forest is a true gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan a memorable hiking adventure, exploring the magnificent waterfalls that Umpqua National Forest has to offer.
Getting Started: Planning Your Trip
When planning a trip to Umpqua National Forest, it's essential to decide which waterfalls you'd like to visit and the best time to go. There are several charming towns nearby, such as Eugene and Roseburg, that offer accommodation and amenities for travelers. Staying in Roseburg, which is just an hour away from Umpqua National Forest, is a great option as it brings you closer to the hiking trails.
Route 138: Your Gateway to Umpqua's Waterfalls
Most of the waterfalls in Umpqua National Forest can be easily accessed via Route 138. To make the most of your time, it's a good idea to plan a route that allows you to visit multiple waterfalls in a single day. A well-planned itinerary will enable you to experience the forest's diverse beauty without spending too much time traveling between locations.
Top 5 Waterfall Hikes in Umpqua National Forest
Toketee Falls
Watson Falls
White Horse Falls
Clearwater Falls
Lemolo Falls (North and South)
1. Toketee Falls
Difficulty: Easy (main trail) / Moderate (hike down to the base)
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 167 ft
Time: 20 mins
Type: Out-and-Back
Toketee Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Umpqua National Forest, known for its picturesque basalt columns and two-tiered cascade. The main trail takes you to an observation platform above the falls, providing a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. For a more adventurous experience, you can venture off the main trail and scramble down to the base of the falls.
2. Watson Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 524 ft
Time: 30-40 mins
Type: Loop
Watson Falls is a majestic waterfall with a height of nearly 300 feet, making it the third highest waterfall in Oregon. The hike up to Watson Falls is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a moderate incline. At the top, you'll find a bench where you can sit and admire the falls from a unique vantage point. There's also a trail that leads to the base of the falls, but be cautious as the rocks can be slippery.
3. White Horse Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 3 ft
Time: 3 mins
Type: Out-and-Back
White Horse Falls is a quick and easy stop on your waterfall-hopping adventure. The observation platform is just a few steps away from the parking area and provides an excellent view of the falls. The area surrounding White Horse Falls is perfect for a picnic, complete with tables and plenty of space to lay out a blanket.
4. Clearwater Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 32 ft
Time: 6 mins
Type: Out-and-Back
Clearwater Falls is another easily accessible waterfall in Umpqua National Forest. The trail leads you to an observation platform at the base of the falls. From there, you can continue the hike up the left side of the falls to the top, where you'll find a peaceful river with crystal-clear water. Be careful when crossing any fallen tree trunks, as they can be slippery.
5. Lemolo Falls (North and South)
Difficulty: Easy (North) / Moderate to Hard (South)
Distance: 4.6 miles (North) / Approx. 4 miles (South)
Elevation Gain: 383 ft (North) / 988 ft (South)
Time: 1.5 hours (North) / 1.25 hours (South)
Type: Out-and-Back (Both)
Lemolo Falls features two distinct trails – North and South – each offering a different perspective of the waterfall. The North trail takes you to the top of the falls, where you can enjoy a scenic view of the surrounding area. The South trail, on the other hand, is more challenging, with switchbacks leading you straight to the base of the falls. Note the unpaved road to the South trailhead can be rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Additional Waterfall Hikes in Umpqua National Forest
For those looking to explore even more waterfall hikes in Umpqua National Forest, consider the following options:
Yakso Falls Trail
Hemlock Falls Trail
Clover Falls Trail
These hikes offer a variety of difficulty levels and stunning views of the forest's waterfalls. However, reaching these trails can be challenging due to the unpaved and rocky roads. Be prepared for a longer drive and consider visiting these falls during daylight hours for safety reasons.
Other Activities in Umpqua National Forest
Umpqua National Forest isn't just about waterfalls – there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in this beautiful region. Some popular options include:
Twin Lakes Trail: A moderate 3.5-mile loop trail that takes you around two picturesque lakes, perfect for camping, picnicking, and fishing.
Umpqua Hot Springs: Relax and unwind in the geothermal hot springs after a day of hiking. The springs are situated on a terraced hillside overlooking the Umpqua River.
Summit Mt. Thielsen: For the adventurous hiker, tackle the challenging 9.2-mile trail to the summit of Mt. Thielsen, known as the "lightning rod" of the Cascade Mountains.
Diamond Lake: With 238 lakeside campsites and a range of activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming, Diamond Lake is an ideal base for exploring Umpqua National Forest.
Lemolo Lake: Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and water skiing in the serene surroundings of Lemolo Lake, with Mt. Thielsen towering in the distance.
Bottomless Adventure
With its diverse landscape, stunning waterfalls, and endless outdoor activities, Umpqua National Forest is truly a haven for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, hiking challenging trails, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the lakes and forests, Umpqua National Forest offers a memorable experience for all ages and fitness levels.
