The trail only goes upwards, past centuries old trees as wide as we stand tall, until you reach Watson’s side. From here the view of the falls is unimpeded as it plummets down the sheer rock wall covered in ferns and moss. The past several years I've really enjoyed traveling around to National Parks and hiking in the PNW. Watson Falls are briefly visible from the parking lot, but the first nice view comes about a third of a mile up the trail, where there is a large flat rock and a spectacular mossy cascade below. You’re misted at first and then given a generous drench if you dare stand too close. Photo by . Oregon is a state known for it's spectacular waterfalls, and the North Umpqua River is a popular area for waterfall seekers. Not only that, but their little shithead kids kept running in circles around me while their parents sat there laughing and not moving out of the way for other hikers to view the falls in peace. Continuing straight past the bench is a minor trail to a misty viewpoint at the bottom of the falls.

by Ryan June 12, 2020. After the bullshit that was Munson Creek Falls, I’m happy to say that Watson Falls was MUCH nicer than expected. Picnic area. View this location in Google Earth. The trail leaves from the south end of the parking lot and climbs up to cross NF-37 and continue climbing through old-growth forest. Photo by @ariellemarieee. We’re talking about Watson Falls, the lone giant that falls straight through a massive amphitheater of beautifully aged basalt. Oh, Watson! The parking area is about 500 feet south of Highway 138 on the right side. I do what I can, and try not to die while doing it, which is challenging for me at times. We believe good things come from people spending time outside.

Watson Falls can be found along Fish Creek Road #37, just over 2 miles east of Toketee Falls and Lake, itself about 43 miles east of Glide or 16 miles west of Diamond Lake. It is the most beautiful waterfall along the North Umpqua River Valley. Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. About halfway up, at a bend in the trail, you will see a small dirt footpath to your left that takes you over a few rocks. If traveling from the west (Portland,Salem,Eugene,Roseburg), you will take a right on NF-37 (you will also see a brown sign here saying “Watson Falls Day Use Area”). Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. You cross over the road and continue up the trail. It’s about protecting what sustains us. (And no, I don’t mean the crime solving side kick, though, I do momentarily think of Martin Freeman). The trail is short and sweet, with the best views right at the base of the falls, among the fallen boulders.

From the parking lot, you will walk across the street to find the trailhead. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. The 272-ft (83-m) waterfall is the highest in southwest Oregon. Watson Falls is the third highest waterfall in Oregon at 272 feet. It only takes about 20 minutes to get to the viewing platform at the top. This trail leads to a 272 foot waterfall over basalt lava cliffs up the Umpqua River Valley. The only drawback here is that because of its ease and accessibility, you’re forced to share the hike with a ton of assholes.

Turning right at the bench, the main trail goes up one switchback to a platform overlook about halfway up the falls.

Watson Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Oregon, and definitely one of the most stunning. Although it’s a very short hike to get up next to the falls, the elevation gain is pretty rapid. Watson Falls Hike – Umpqua River Valley, OR. Gain: 370' Detailed Description. Watson Falls is the second highest waterfall in the state at 290 feet, and it is accessible via a moderate and scenic trail that is great for hikers of all abilities. It is also one of the most photographed. I have a feeling that this waterfall would be even more amazing in the spring, rather than in the late summer, due to the winter runoff. It’s about nourishment and learning. Length: 1.1 miles Difficulty: class 1 Type: Lollipop Loop Elev. After the bullshit that was Munson Creek Falls, I’m happy to say that Watson Falls was MUCH nicer than expected. I'm Ryan, and I have a stupid blog. Although it’s a very short hike to get up next to the falls, the elevation gain is pretty rapid. All Right Reserved. Hiking From the Trailhead to Watson Falls. It was very misty when we went, so be sure to bring a rain jacket if you want to get close! Watson Falls . Just 30 feet down this trail, you’ll be gifted great views of the falls from below. In just 0.1 miles, you will find the paved parking lot to your right. I'm both morbidly obese and gross, and it's a major undertaking to haul my ass up these mountains, so don't judge me on the difficulty of my hikes. Sheep Lake to Sourdough Gap – Mt. Short, fairly easy hike. There is also a bathroom here. Just past this point a bridge crosses the creek and the trail winds up to a bench with a nice view of the falls.

Dickheads. I believe the parents overheard me comment to a couple other hikers that I was about to throw them off the cliff, because right after that they gathered up their satan-spawn children and scurried down the mountain as fast as they could.

A columnar waterfall is located at an elevation of 3,353 ft (1,022 m) and can be reached by the 0.4-mi (0.6-km) Watson Falls Trail #1496. The falls is just as easy to access as Toketee, but offers more opportunities to get up close and personal. Length: 1 mile round trip Elevation Gain: 370 feet Difficulty: Moderate From the parking area you start this hike by ascending the stairs. Case in point, there was a family of about 12 up at the top that spent a good 45 minutes taking every single family picture humanly possible.

It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. It only takes about 20 minutes to get to the viewing platform at the top. Running a blog is entirely to entertain myself rather than an audience, so keep that in mind while you're mocking my content. Highly recommended! The trail crosses Road 37 and climbs easily but steadily up to the base of the falls in about 1/3 mile.