Douglas County

Watson Falls, Oregon

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Watson Falls in August 2013

Watson Falls is one of the many waterfalls you can find along OR-138. It’s one of the taller waterfalls in that region, or one of the taller ones that is very easy to visit. Toketee Falls is not that far away, though that requires a slightly longer hike (though still definitely worthwhile).

At 272′ tall, Watson Falls is pretty impressive. I have seen others indicate it might be the best waterfall in the area, but I guess I still liked Toketee Falls more. It is tall, but there wasn’t a huge amount of water flowing over the falls when I visited. This left it looking rather wispy. The bigger issue was probably the timing, though. As I have mentioned before, I can’t always plan to show at the perfect time in the perfect weather. The weather was actually stunning…sunny and very comfortable temperatures. But the sun was making it difficult to photograph the falls. I think the photograph here was in front of the falls, but there weren’t many great shots. I think I was able to get a good view from the right side of the falls standing very close to the rock wall. I think earlier in the year and with the right lighting, I would agree Watson Falls could be even more stunning.

Directions:

  1. Watson Falls isn’t particularly hard to find if you’re on OR-138. You will have entered Umpqua National Forest. It’s to the east of Toketee Falls and the Diamond Lake Ranger Station.
  2. If you are headed east, you will turn RIGHT onto National Forest Road 37 (Fish Creek Road). It should be clearly signed for Watson Falls.
  3. You won’t be driving very far at all down this road, as the parking area should be almost directly off the road.
  4. From here, it’s about a 0.35 mile hike to the falls.

Accessibility: 7/10 (easy/moderate)
Distance of Hike: 0.7 miles round-trip
Height: 272′ (could be up to 302′)

Where in the World is Watson Falls?

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Whitehorse Falls, Oregon

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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?

Susan Creek Falls, Oregon

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Susan Creek Falls in August 2013

Last August, I visited the Eugene and Klamath Falls regions of Oregon. My main visit was at Crater Lake National Park, but along the way back, I also planned on visiting a number of other waterfalls. There are so many possible options that I didn’t end up visiting all of them, but instead the easiest-to-visit waterfalls. Realize that there are definitely more in the region!

In order to hike to Susan Creek Falls, you can either start on the north or the south side of OR-138, since there is a parking area on both sides. I remember the hike being relatively short (at about 0.8 miles or so), though it did seem to meander somewhat. It is a relatively flat hike, and it is suggested that it is somewhat handicapped-accessible. At the end of the hike, you’re treated to a very enjoyable view of the 50′ Susan Creek Falls. It’s not the tallest or widest in the region, but it is still calming nonetheless, and you won’t feel especially out of breath after this hike!

Directions:

  1. From I-5, take exit 124 onto Highway 138 headed east.
  2. After 28 miles or so on Highway 138E, you will come to the two parking areas for Susan Creek Falls Day Use Area. If you park on the south side of the road, there are more amenities, though you will have to walk across the road. There is also more parking on that side.
  3. Head upstream to the falls!

Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: 50′
Length of Hike: 1.5 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Susan Creek Falls?