Umpqua Waterfalls
As you drive through Umpqua National Forest, you may hear a faint rumbling in the distance. It’s likely not an earthquake or a massive swarm of hornets, but instead one of the many waterfalls that the Umpqua Forest houses. Highway 138 is known as the ‘Highway of Waterfalls’ for a reason.
Many of our guests choose to stay in Umpqua Waterfalls specifically because of the many hikes ending with the cascading towers of water. While the actual number of waterfalls in the forest is a mystery, there are 10 popular falls that people visit regularly.
At Umpqua’s Last Resort, we have guides who will shuttle you directly to some of the most popular waterfalls, as well as a few secret ones only the locals know about!
Waterfall Tours
While you can certainly visit some of the more notable falls on your own, it’s always better to go with somebody who knows the area like the back of their hand.
Our guides are incredibly familiar with each of the falls, and they’ll be able to answer any questions you have and explain how the falls formed. These facts can make your experience all the richer.
Another exciting reason to book a waterfall tour is that you’ll get to see some of the more obscure falls in the area. Our guides will be able to customize your waterfall trip according to your group’s needs (what kinds of waterfalls you want to see, length of hikes, etc.)
How long will the tour last?
All in all, you’ll probably be able to explore roughly 2 waterfalls per tour. The tour will last around 2 -3 hours. If you have questions about pricing, group sizes, and other advantages, please give us a call at 541-498-2500.
What should you bring on a waterfall tour?
Since you will be shuttled to the various waterfalls, you won’t want to pack TOO much. In fact, some of our guests bring little else than the clothes on their backs. If you are going to pack something, we recommend the following:
- Good hiking shoes
- Clothing you don’t mind getting wet
- Water
- Snacks
- Sunglasses / Hat
- Bug repellent and Sunscreen (some people don’t bring this and apply it right before the tour)
- Picture-taking device
The Best Waterfalls in
Umpqua National Forest
These are a few of our guests’ most commonly-requested falls to see. We know you’ll love them, too!
Toketee Falls
Type of Waterfall: Tiered
Height: 120 feet
Milepost: 58.6 on Hwy. 138
Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 0.4 miles (0.8 miles round trip)
Probably the most renowned waterfall in the forest, Toketee has two drops and flows from a basalt rock formation. Definitely worth your time and conveniently located near the highway!
Watson Falls
Type of Waterfall: Plunge
Height: 272 feet
Milepost: 60.5 on Hwy. 138
Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 0.4 miles (0.8 miles round trip)
By far one of the most popular waterfalls on the highway, Watson is famous because it is the tallest waterfall by far! The cascading water contrasts the basalt rock it streams from. Bring your camera.
Lemolo Falls
Type of Waterfall: Horsetail
Height: 102 feet
Milepost: 72.8 on Hwy. 138 (may want to ask someone for directions)
Hike
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 1.7 miles (3.4 miles round trip)
Lemolo means “wild” in Chinook, and when you arrive at the falls, it will be easy to see why these falls are called that! Because the pathway is hard to find, this isn’t a well-trafficked area compared to other falls, but it’s a gorgeous sight!
Do you need a base of operations to enjoy Umpqua National Forest? Umpqua’s Last Resort should be your first choice. RV sites, campgrounds, cabins? We have it all!