After visiting Crater Lake National Park last year, I took Oregon route 138 when heading back toward Eugene. There are a number of very impressive waterfalls along the road, including Toketee and Watson Falls. There are also a number of smaller waterfalls which are very easy to visit.

Whitehorse Falls is just off of route 138 along a very short, paved National Forest Service road. The most difficult task is finding the correct road number, though if I remember correctly, there might be a sign for Whitehorse Falls. After parking in the parking area, you’ve got a walk of a few feet to see the falls. Because it’s only about 15′ tall or so, it’s not nearly as popular as Toketee or Watson Falls. You’ll probably pass by Whitehorse Falls (and Clearwater Falls, which is also on the Clearwater River), so you might as well stop for the few minutes that’s required to see the falls.

Directions:

1. There aren’t many options to get to Clearwater Falls. You’ve got to be on OR-138. If you’re coming from Crater Lake NP, at the junction of OR-230 and OR-138, you would continue north along OR-138.
2. After some time, the road will then veer so that you’re driving west (again, if coming from Crater Lake).
3. Clearwater Falls is the first easy-to-visit waterfall. If you continue on OR-138, you’ll NFS Road 4770, which if heading west, would be on the left.
4. Turn onto 4770, drive a very short distance to the parking lot, get out of your car, and essentially view the falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 15′
Length of Hike: Roadside

Whitehorse Falls in August 2013

Where in the World is Whitehorse Falls?