Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls Road Trip Itinerary
If you are looking for an unforgettable Oregon Road Trip full of waterfall hikes, hot springs, and green forests, look no further than driving Oregon’s “Highway of Waterfalls” on the Rouge-Umpqua Scenic Byway. This road trip itinerary includes two of Oregon’s most famous waterfalls- Toketee and Watson Falls and a quick stop at Umpqua Hot Springs, the best hot springs in the Pacific Northwest. Read below for the best waterfall stops on the Highway of Waterfalls, where to stay in the area, and how to continue your Oregon Road Trip.
What is the “Highway of Waterfalls”?- The Rogue- Umpqua Scenic Byway
Oregon’s “Highway of Waterfalls” refers to the stretch of the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway in Southern Oregon that contains six easy-to-see waterfalls either right off the road or a short hike away, with even more waterfall hike options if you take some detours off the main road! This includes Toketee Falls and Watson Falls- two of the best waterfalls in Oregon! The iconic Umpqua Hot Springs can also be found along this route!
Sometimes, people also use the term “Highway of Waterfalls” to refer to the Historic Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway near Portland. This stretch of road also has many iconic and gorgeous waterfalls! If that’s the area you want to explore, check out the guides below!
What to Wear Hiking to Oregon’s Waterfalls
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- Raincoat- You don’t want to visit a waterfall without a rain jacket! This also works as a windbreaker – My Favorite Rain Jacket
- Fleece- A fleece or mid-layer is great to have when hiking so you can easily take it off to cool down- Soft REI Fleece
- Day Pack– Always bring a pack on any hike, no matter the length, to carry water and essentials- Recommended Osprey Day Pack
- Beanie or Hat- If you are hiking in colder weather, bring something to keep your head warm. If it’s warmer, consider a cap to keep ticks off your head- Warm Beanie
- Waterproof Boots– Waterfall trails are often muddy. Make sure to bring waterproof boots- My Favorite Hiking Boots
- Hiking Socks– Wear good hiking socks to avoid blisters, no matter the hike length!- Women’s Hiking Socks
- Sandals– If you plan on visiting the hot springs, you might want sandals to get in and out of them! However, you still want to wear good boots hiking to the hot springs- Women’s Sandals
- Moisture-Wicking Shirt- A quick-dry, active tee makes for a much more comfortable hike- My Favorite Hiking Tee,
- Moisture-Wicking Pants– While they do not need to be waterproof, you will likely want either moisture-wicking or quick-drying pants if the forecast calls for rain- Comfortable Women’s Hiking Pants
- Water Bottle– When hiking, bring a water bottle to hydrate- Water Bottle
- Sunscreen– Make sure to wear sunscreen outdoors- SPF 50 Sunscreen
- First Aid Kit- Always bring a first aid kit in the outdoors- First Aid Kit
- Parking Pass- A National Forest Pass or Annual National Parks Pass (also called America the Beautiful Pass) is needed to park on Mount Hood- Annual Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass
- Camera- Bring a camera to capture your memories!- Beginner Travel Camera
Read More: Pacific Northwest Packing List
Oregon Waterfall Leave No Trace Considerations
When hiking and camping in Oregon, make sure to follow all Leave No Trace Rules! A few important ones to consider at waterfalls are mentioned below. This helps keep the area clean, safe, and protected for the wildlife!
- Respect Fire Restrictions! In the Summer, Oregon gets very dry despite its reputation as a rainy state. Check local requirements for campfires and respect them! Much of this area was hit by a wildfire in 2020, but thankfully, many of the waterfalls were spared. Keep them protected by taking fire danger seriously.
- Stay on Trail– The biggest safety and environmental concern in this area is people putting themselves in dangerous situations by leaving the trail. In particular, Toketee Falls has a clear guardrail and viewing platform. Many people hop or damage the fence to get closer to the waterfall, but the route down is not a trail, and it is VERY dangerous. When you put yourself at risk, you also put any potential first responders or helpers at risk!
- Be careful close to the waterfalls– Most of these trails don’t have clear signage or barriers designating how close you can or can’t get to the waterfalls. In that case, you must use your own judgment, but when in doubt, stay further back since it can be really slippery by waterfalls, and most have very fast rivers running from them.
- Take what you bring! This is especially relevant at Umpqua Hot Springs. Hot springs get gross fast when people leave food scraps, wrappers, cans, etc. There’s no trash can, so take everything back with you. Orange peels and other organic waste should also not be left because they take a long time to biodegrade and are often picked up by wildlife who cannot properly digest them.
- Don’t pick wildflowers– Wildflowers spring up around some of these falls in Summer, and it can be tempting to pick them. However, many wildflowers (such as trillium, the Oregon state flower) don’t grow back when picked, so just take photos and allow future visitors to enjoy them!
- Walk through mud, not around it– It can be tempting to walk around a puddle or mud and go off trail. But Leave No Trace etiquette is to stay on the trail and walk through the mud so the area surrounding the trail doesn’t get trampled. Many of these trails are muddy in Spring and Fall, so bring waterproof boots or shoes!
- Be respectful of others- Some general trail etiquette is- don’t hike with speakers, let faster hikers pass you, and uphill hikers have the right away on narrow trails.
Highway of Waterfalls- Oregon Map
Above is a quick map of the Highway of Waterfalls in Oregon! It includes the main waterfalls you will see when following the itinerary below!
Best Stops on the Highway of Waterfalls
Below are all the main stops on the Highway of Waterfalls listed from West to East! This is the route you would take if you were to take this road from Portland or Eugene and head towards Crater Lake!
Susan Creek Falls
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 187 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
- Trailhead Location
Susan Creek Falls and the next waterfall on this list, Fall Creek Falls, were unfortunately hit by a wildfire in 2020. However, the trail is open and maintained, and you can see recovery along the route! Small wildflowers are popping up along the trail, and the waterfall is beautiful!
This is a short and easy hike. It is very family-friendly, and at the end, you get to view the 60-foot-tall Susan Creek Falls!
Fall Creek Falls
- Length: 1 mile
- Elevation Gain: 288 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
- Trailhead Location
Fall Creek Falls in Oregon (not to be confused with the Falls Creek Falls in Washington) is another short hike just a few minutes along the Rogue—Umpqua Scenic Byway past Susan Creek Falls. Like Susan Creek, the route shows evidence of wildfire damage, but the waterfall is still impressive!
Fall Creek Falls is a two-tiered waterfall that can be viewed from both the bottom and an upper viewing platform.
Toketee Falls
- Length: 0.8 mile
- Elevation Gain: 170 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
- Trailhead Location
Toketee Falls is the most famous and most visited waterfall on the Highway of Waterfalls, and for good reason! At 113 feet tall, it is stunning, but what really sets it apart is the basalt columns the water flows out over! The hike to the waterfall viewing platform is short and pretty easy!
Note: Many people climb through a hole in the fence to get to the bottom of the waterfall, but DON’T do this! Is is very steep, slick, and dangerous, and you put yourself and any first responders at risk. The view from the top is plenty beautiful!
Umpqua Hot Springs
- Length: 0.6 mile
- Elevation Gain: 147 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
- Trailhead Location
This is the only major spot on the Highway of Waterfalls that is not a waterfall, but it would be a huge miss not to mention it! Umpqua Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in Oregon, with several pools looking out over the North Umpqua River.
The pools higher up are the warmest, and the temperature decreases the further down you go. Please be respectful of other visitors to the hot springs and always clean up any trash or food you bring in.
Tips for Visiting Umpqua Hot Springs
Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Umpqua Hot Springs!
- Wear good hiking shoes– The trail is short, but STEEP in sections, and you will want good traction.
- The road closes in Winter, adding about 2 miles each way, making it around 4.5 miles round trip. Check if the gate is open before heading out.
- The road to the trailhead is dirt and can get very muddy. Check recent reviews before heading out to see if it is possible in your car, or you might need 4WD or AWD.
- There are no changing rooms! The hot springs don’t have any changing rooms or seclusion. Wear your bathing suit under your clothes to make your visit easier.
- Nudity is allowed at these and most Oregon hot springs.
- Be careful with dogs! Dogs can overheat in or near hot springs since they can’t sweat!
Watson Falls
- Length: 0.8 mile
- Elevation Gain: 433 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
- Trailhead Location
Watson Falls is my second favorite waterfall on the Rogue- Umpqua Scenic Byway after Toketee! It is the third-highest waterfall at 272 feet, and you can usually get quite close to it! The flow varies throughout the year. The falls can get quite strong in Spring, but it is a much smaller stream in Summer. Don’t skip this one if you’re short on time on your drive!
Whitehorse Falls
Whitehorse Falls is a really quick stop. The waterfall is viewable practically from the parking lot. There is an easy and accessible lookout deck where you can get a better view of the falls.
Whitehorse Falls is also right next to Whitehorse Falls campground, making it a convenient place to stay on the Highway of Waterfalls.
Clearwater Falls
Clearwater Falls is another quick stop near the end of the Highway of Waterfalls. It is a short and easily accessible walk to this beautiful waterfall! This is a great spot for families.
One Day Itinerary along the Highway of Waterfalls
Above are all the major sights and stops on Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls! However, if you are looking for a condensed itinerary, see below for how to spend one day on the Highway of Waterfalls.
Start your day at the West end of the Rouge-Upqua Scenic Byway heading East. Your first stops will be Susan Creek Falls and Fall Creek Falls for some quick waterfall hikes. Next, head up to Umpqua Hot Springs for a late-morning soak.
Pack a lunch to enjoy it at your car at the trailhead. On your way back to the main road, stop at Toketee Falls to see one of the best waterfalls in Oregon! The last real hike of the day will be to Watson Falls! On your way heading West, stop by Whitehorse and Clearwater Falls.
You can camp nearby or add this to a larger Oregon Road Trip on your way to or from Bend or Crater Lake.
Read More: 4-Day Oregon Road Trip
Other Waterfalls on Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls
These waterfalls are only some of the waterfalls in this area! The ones above are the easiest to get to and the most direct on the Highway of Waterfalls, but you can also take a few detours to hit the ones below!
- Lemolo Falls– 3.4 miles, 384 feet, easy– There are two routes to view Lemolo Falls- lower and upper. This is for the upper view. This trail leads you to the lower view, but as of Spring 2024, trees blocked the road about 2 miles before the trailhead.
- Warm Spring Falls– 0.6 miles, 65 feet, easy– This is a short but easy hike with an observation deck!
Other Nearby Waterfalls in Oregon
From Clearwater Falls, it is about an hour and a half drive up to OR-58, where you can see Salt Creek Falls and Diamond Creek Falls!
- Salt Creek Falls– 0.5 miles, 209 feet, moderate- Salt Creek Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Oregon after Multnomah! You can see the waterfall just a short walk from the parking lot, but if you take the trail down a bit further, you can get an even better view of the falls!
- Diamond Creek Falls– 5 miles, 784 feet, moderate- Diamond Creek Falls is a moderate hike from the Salt Creek Falls parking lot. This trail gets covered in snow in Winter and Spring, so make sure to check recent trail reviews!
Extend Your Trip- Where to Road Trip to Next in Oregon
Continue your Oregon road trip to another adventurous area of Oregon!
- Crater Lake- It is only a two-hour drive to the South entrance of Crater Lake from the end of the Rouge-Umpqua Scenic Byway! It is an even shorter drive if the North entrance is open, but check before going, as it often does not open until May or June due to snowpack!
- Bend- Continue on to one of the best adventure towns in Oregon- Bend! About a 2-hour drive from the Highway of Waterfalls- Read More: 3 Days in Bend, Oregon
- McKenzie River Waterfalls- If you haven’t had enough waterfalls yet, head North to the McKenzie River area! If you take OR-58, you will pass right by Salt Creek Falls. Some of the best waterfalls near McKenzie River include Koosah Falls, Sahalie Falls, and Proxy Falls
- Oregon Coast- If you head West instead of East, you can be at the Oregon Coast in about 3 hours from the Highway of Waterfalls! There is so much to do on the Oregon Coast, making for a great road trip!- Read More: Best Stops on the Oregon Coast
Best Places to Stay on Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls
Campsites on The Rogue- Umpqua Scenic Byway
There are many campgrounds along the Highway of Waterfalls where you can stay! Below are just some of the campgrounds. All sites are standard and nonelectric. The campgrounds are listed from West to East along the Rogue- Umpqua Scenic Byway.
- Susan Creek Recreation Site– This campground can be reserved from April through November and has about 30 sites.
- Toketee Lake Campground- This campground can be reserved from May through September and is first come, first served for the remainder of the year. It is right down the National Forest Road from Toketee Falls Trailhead.
- Whitehorse Falls Campground– This is a small campground with only five sites near Whitehorse Falls. It is a first-come, first-served campground.
- Clearwater Falls Campground– This is a small campground with only nine sites near Clearwater Falls. It is a first-come, first-served campground.
- Diamond Lake Campground– This is a large campground near Diamond Lake at the end of the Highway of Waterfalls. It has reservable campgrounds from June through September and is a good base camp if you plan on visiting Crater Lake!
Hotels & Rentals on Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls
- Steamboat Inn– This is a cute inn right on the river that also has a restaurant!
- Umpqua’s Last Resort– This is the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to all the waterfalls! It has small cabins, retro campers, glamping tents, and a few standard tent sites you can rent. There are shared bathrooms and water.
- Diamond Lake Resort– Diamond Lake has cabins for rent and motel rooms. It is a great stay close to Crater Lake!
When to Road Trip Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls
The best time to road trip the Highway or Waterfalls is late Spring and early Summer! Around late May and June, Oregon starts warming up, but the waterfalls still flow strong!
In Summer, this is still a pretty area, but there is less rain, so the waterfalls are much smaller in late July and August. In Winter, snow can make this area hard or impossible to drive through, so make sure to check recent road conditions before traveling.
SAVE IT FOR LATER
