Watson Falls

Waterfall · Douglas County

Watson Falls

Waterfall · Douglas County

1

Oregon 97447

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Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null
Watson Falls by null

Highlights

Watson Falls offers a lush, mossy creekside hike leading to a stunning 272-foot cascade framed by dramatic basalt cliffs.  

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Oregon 97447 Get directions

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Oregon 97447 Get directions

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parking private lot

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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These Under-the-radar Waterfalls Might Be America’s Best Kept Summer Secret

"Standing at 272 feet, Watson Falls is one of Oregon's most peaceful waterfalls and is located blissfully far from crowded tourist spots." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/us-waterfalls-to-visit-this-summer
View Postcard for Watson Falls

Ruth Strom

Google
This is the crown jewel of the waterfalls in the area. Nice parking area with bathrooms (clean when we were there) and picnic tables. You can see the top of the waterfall from the parking lot but it’s totally worth the hike to see both the lower and upper portions up close. Lots of beautiful flora and fauna along the way.

Laura Goebel

Google
This trail is great! Moss covers pretty much everything, ferns growing everywhere. Stunning waterfall is just under 300' high! I've been here when water is so little you can stand under the falls, couldn't get close today, we were soaked!

Keith

Google
One of the nicest water falls we saw on this trip. It was big, nice mist hitting you at the top and amazing! It is a moderate hike to get to the top. My watch showed it a 361’ elevation climb and approx 3/4 mile to the top.

BOBBY BOOTAYNE

Google
Perfect hike for the family, Trail was well maintained. So many places to take pictures, easy access from the parking lot.

steven hobbs

Google
Phenomenal place with a picture-perfect waterfall. The trail can be challenging, but it's worth the effort. If you are a novice, take your time and make sure the trail and rocks are stable. The plants are vivid during the spring and summer. Bring a lunch and picnic at the trailhead.

Shawn Thomas

Google
Wow, A Fairy Forest feel. Few places are this green and lush, my wife cried when she hiked this trail, it was emotionally moving, a bucket list hiking adventure trail. We made a vlog on YouTube @hikebytes showcasing this epic hike “Best Oregon Waterfalls.” A bucket list hike for central Oregon.

Abby Snoznik

Google
One of the most amazing waterfalls I've ever seen. You can go right up to the falls and feel the mist. Stunning

Tara Johnson

Google
Beautiful trail, narrow and it was a busy day but with basic respect and common courtesy we can maintain a safe distance from others. Their are many views from the base and the trail climbs up towards the top but revealing more views and a refreshing mist as you incline.
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Ed T.

Yelp
This review is for Watson Falls which was a ~0.8 miles round trip that took ~45 mins to complete. One of my favorite waterfalls from this road trip! Amazing views of the waterfall and surroundings! Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/NrmjRxGXTUo
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Kim R.

Yelp
Fun hike and a lovely, tall falls! The road to the trailhead is clear currently, but the parking is not. We had to park right on the road, without much ability to get off at all...so we took turns on the trail. Right now the 1 mile loop is a mix of surfaces...dry, mud, ice, and snow. It's a slight incline winding up to the top. Sweet trail, along the stream much of the way, with one tree down to traverse as of last weekend. Every time you think you've reached the viewpoint the trail continues on closer, leaving you with multiple viewpoints to take in the falls. You'll easily spot the loop sign to head back down, but you can continue up higher from there. I didn't go up the very top, but you don't have to to get a great look. Just one in a line of great falls along the 138. A "don't miss"!
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Sebastian K.

Yelp
Wasn't expecting to see such a magnificent waterfall when I visited family in south-central Oregon. This stop is along Route 138 and absolutely worth stopping at. First of all, it's FREE; perhaps my favorite price. The hikes up to the falls are fairly easy and short, though there are some slick rocks to be mindful of. Dogs are allowed, there is plenty of parking, and restrooms are available (though are just pit toilets. Bring your hand sanitizer!) Best of all, the waterfalls are massive and you can go right up to them. Don't get me wrong, Multnomah Falls is stunning but it gets super crowded (and is mildly overrated.) These falls though, you can go under them to get soaking wet and get an awesome look at the rocks around them. While it's not as large as Multnomah Falls, it appears more dramatic with the basalt cliffs that drop right off. If you're driving on this route and get a chance to stop, I highly recommend it even if you're just getting off the road to take a break. It doesn't take long to see the falls, and is overall a great place to stop off at.
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Jason C.

Yelp
Breathtaking, "YUGE" 272 foot drop from the top, towering way above, enshrined by immense basalt lava cliffs! Known to be the 3rd tallest falls in the state of Oregon, you can find this gem on OR138 as one of the MANY falls along the treasured road. The hike was definitely a decent little workout, and made for some sore legs (mostly the littles ;0). But once you reach the falls you realize just how worth it the hike was! With so many other little paths back and forth and many more to get extremely close to the base we had the best time and great photo ops! As you ascend closer and closer to the falls the mist and spray makes for a hazy mystical experience surrounded by lush, green, jungle like vegetation. Staring up at the towering, jagged rock wall bathed in the mist it was hard not to be awe inspired and amazed by the natural beauty...Absolutely stunning! #thegoodlife
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Bill J.

Yelp
This is a very impressive tall falls, but it is a good hike 370 feet up to get the best view. There is a spot about halfway up that you can scramble over large rocks to see the bottom, but the best view is from the top. The trail is narrow in places, but doable.
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Gena K.

Yelp
Visited the falls in December. It was not busy during this month. Be sure to wear proper shoes because the trail can be icy.
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Christopher C.

Yelp
This is one of Oregon's tallest waterfalls. It is located in the Umpqua National Forest. The location for this fall is about a 10-minute drive to 4 other breathtaking falls. The parking seems to be pretty wide enough for the number of people that I usually see here and the trail is pretty gnarly. If you are not used to climbing uphill, it would be a good idea to research the terrain. I found it to be pretty steep and slippery depending on the weather. You can get lucky enough to see little glimpses of this trail as you are climbing up in elevation which can be motivating if you are getting tired. I have never been to the top of this fall, but the trail to the bottom was pretty enough to keep me happy. You can feel the mist from this fall, which can be really nice on a warm summer day. Overall I would rate this fall a five out of five, mostly due to the size and location of this fall. If you are near Toketee Falls and have the time, be sure to check this waterfall out! Here is a link for the land management agency that manages this area https://www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua Here is a link with hiking information on this trail https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/watson-falls