This is the mystery waterfall in Oregon. As you drive north on US-101 in Oregon, you’ll notice that there are a multitude of state parks along the Pacific Ocean (and in the general area). I was having a hard time deciding where to stop and which parks to pass by. I ended up passing the first turn onto a road that leads to Devil’s Punchbowl and Otter Crest State Parks. Driving further north, there was another chance to turn and head back south to both of those state parks. I ended up turning left onto that road, not sure whether I would actually go to either parks.

As I turned onto the road, I quickly passed over a bridge and noticed a roadside turnoff that afforded a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. I got out, snapped a few photos, and realized that in the corner of my eye, I could see what looked like a waterfall down below. There wasn’t much to see, but what confused me is that looking near and above the bridge, I couldn’t see any river/creek/water flowing there…Where was the water coming from. It looks like there was a pipe above, so maybe some water was flowing from the pipe.

I got back into the car, decided to turn and head back north. I decided to stop on the side of the road (where there was a “parking” area) after crossing the bridge over no water just to see if I could get a better view of the possible falls. I got out, climbed down near the bridge, and realized there was this absolutely beautiful waterfall plunging right into the Pacific. Where the water is coming from is still a mystery to me. I’ve called it Rocky Creek Falls because its near Rocky Creek State Park on the map, though I’m not sure where the water is even coming from.

Directions:

1. The falls are found off of US-101 south of Depoe Bay and north of Otter Rock. The Otter Creek Loop is found off of the main road, and can be accessed from two different locations.
2. If headed south from Depoe Bay, Otter Crest Loop will be on your right. Drive less than a mile to pull-off on your right. There is a gravel parking area before the bridge and a paved circular parking area after crossing the bridge. The views are much better before crossing the bridge.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 40′
Length of Hike: Roadside

Where in the World is Rocky Creek Falls?