Quick Facts
Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 115′ / 35 m
Length of Hike: Roadside
The Record
Vidae Falls is an interesting waterfall in Crater Lake National Park. Unlike many waterfalls that require strenuous hikes, Vidae Falls is conveniently located right off East Rim Drive, making it a good stop for all ages and mobility levels. This ease of access allows you to quickly immerse yourself in the beauty of the cascading water, surrounded by the park’s pristine natural environment. You might think that the falls are fed from Crater Lake since there doesn’t seem to be another “obvious” water source around. Instead, snow accumulates on Vidae Ridge, melts in spring, and is absorbed by the rocks. At some point, the water is forced out as a spring, and manifests itself as Vidae Falls.
Due to the immense snowfall that blankets Crater Lake National Park each winter, Vidae Falls is typically accessible from late May or early June through October. By late fall, as temperatures drop and snow begins to accumulate again, East Rim Drive and thus access to the falls closes for the winter season. Planning your visit within these months if you’d like to see Vidae Falls.
Directions
- Head toward Crater Lake National Park. The park is enclosed by OR-230, OR-138, OR-62, and US-97. The falls are closest to OR-62.
- From OR-62, turn north onto Munson Valley Road, also known as the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. This leads to the Steel Information Center.
- Right near the information center, the Rim Drive heads southeast. Turn onto Rim Drive.
- Drive for 3 miles to Vidae Falls, which will be on your left if you’re heading east.
Waterfall Record 
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