Salt Creek Falls is a stunning two-tiered waterfall located in the Willamette National Forest of Oregon. The falls are situated along Salt Creek, and plunge over a cliff face of columnar basalt rock that forms part of the Cascade Range.
Details about Salt Creek Falls
The upper tier drops 86 feet into a pool below and then continues another 77 feet to form the lower tier. This makes it one of the tallest waterfalls in Oregon with an overall height of 163 feet. Visitors will also enjoy spectacular views from observation points at both tiers as well as numerous hiking trails for exploring this beautiful area. At certain times throughout the year, visitors may also be able to witness “moonbows” – rainbow like arcs that appear when moonlight reflects off mist from waterfall spray under clear night skies with no light pollution nearby.
Salt Creek Falls is easily accessible by car from Highway 58 near Oakridge, OR. There’s plenty of parking available at the trailhead with restrooms nearby for convenience. From here you can take short hikes up to either tier or longer ones if you wish to explore further into the surrounding forests and meadows.
Hiking trails around Salt Creek Falls
The main trail at Salt Creek Falls is 1.5 miles long and takes you along the creek to the top of the falls where you can take in amazing views of the surrounding forest and distant mountains. The trail also passes by several smaller cascades as it winds through greenery. There are also several other hikes in the area that offer more challenging terrain for experienced hikers or those looking for a longer trek into nature’s beauty.
Loeb State Park Trailhead which follows an old logging road up to Loeb Ridge for incredible views overlooking nearby mountain peaks and valleys below.
Red Mountain Loop Trail which climbs up onto a rocky ridge offering beautiful vistas from atop its high elevation.
Middle Fork Trail which follows along Salt Creek through meadows filled with wildflowers.
North Fork Trail which leads to two picturesque waterfalls deep within an old growth forest setting
Directions to Salt Creek Falls
To reach Salt Creek Falls from Eugene: Map
1. Take I-5 South to Exit 188A towards OR-58/OR-126 West/Eugene Airport
2. Merge onto OR-126 W/Franklin Boulevard and continue for 11 miles
3. Turn right onto Goodpasture Road and continue for 5 miles
4. Turn left onto Aufderheide Drive (Forest Road 19) and continue for 7 miles until you reach the parking lot at Salt Creek Falls Recreation Site Once you have reached the parking lot, an easy quarter mile trail will take you to the base of the waterfall where you can enjoy spectacular views!
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