Cascading Over Lava Cliffs - Watson Falls

DISTANCE ELEVATION GAIN DIFFICULTY

0.4 mi 524 ft Moderate

What To Expect

Watson Falls is a lightly-trafficked out and back trail that takes you to what I believe to be the most spectacular of the many waterfalls located along the Umpqua River Wild and Scenic Corridor. The relatively small Watson Creek is transformed into a powerful, noisy cascade as it plunges off the edge of a cathedral amphitheater of columnar basalt lava rock.

The impressive 293-foot drop makes Watson Falls the third tallest waterfall in Oregon. The trail to the falls crosses a wooden bridge over the lower rapids, winding around rocks blanketed in mosses and vines, ending at the pool near the base of the falls.

Things To Know

While the view from the lower rapids is great, if you want an even better view of the base of the falls you will have to go farther - in which case you will definitely get wet. And by wet, I mean drenched. The height of these cliffs make this waterfall quite powerful and huge gusts of wind along the amphitheater blow large sheets of spray off the falls.

Now get out there and have fun!