Oregon’s Second-Highest Waterfall Plunges 286 Feet Just Steps from Highway 58

Salt Creek Falls, Oregon –

Most people zip past Salt Creek Falls on their way to Crater Lake, but those who stop find one of Oregon’s most striking waterfalls.

At roughly the height of a 20-story building, only Multnomah Falls tops its height in the state.

The viewing platform sits just steps from the parking area, making this natural giant one of the most easy-to-reach major waterfalls in Oregon.

Here’s more about this gorgeous spot.

Home to Oregon’s Second Tallest Waterfall

Salt Creek Falls really is a massive 286 feet from top to bottom. That’s like a 28-story building right in the middle of the Oregon woods.

The waterfall sits at 3,902 feet up in the hills where giant rocks at the top make the water flow down in a smooth, even sheet. When all that water hits bottom, it makes a super deep pool that goes down 66 feet.

You can see the whole thing from easy spots or take a short hike down for a closer look if you’re up for it.

The Waterfall Fills Thousands of Pools Each Day

The raw power of Salt Creek Falls pumps out 50,000 gallons every minute. Try to picture that: it could fill a normal home pool in just 30 seconds.

The flow hits 250 cubic feet each second, making it way more fierce than most other Oregon falls. The rush gets even stronger when spring snow melts in the hills nearby.

You can hear the crash of water from far away, and on sunny days, you might spot mist making rainbows in the air.

Nature Carved a 66-Foot Deep Pool at the Base

Years of pounding water have made a round pool at the base of Salt Creek Falls. This huge bowl dips down 66 feet, deeper than most town pools.

You’ll spot odd rock shapes under the falls where chunks of stone have broken off over time. The pool’s color shifts between blue and green as the light and sky change.

While it might look like a nice spot for a swim, the strong currents and cold water make it off-limits. Look for birds and small animals that often drink from the calm spots around the edges.

The Men Who Discovered the Falls in 1887

The first time Salt Creek Falls was noted in writing was back in March 1887 by two men – Frank Warner who lived in Lane County his whole life, and Charles Tufti, a Native American from the Molala tribe.

But the Native people knew about this spot much earlier. Both Molala and Kalapuya tribes lived in these lands for up to 7,000 years before that. Local tales say the falls were a sacred place where tribes would meet, and that the rush of water had healing powers.

How the Falls Got Their Name

It comes from salt springs found downstream where wild animals go to lick up the tasty, good-for-them bits. The salt comes from rock bits in the ground that mix with the water as it flows by.

Old-time locals used to say you could taste the salt in the water near these springs.

Early maps first marked the area as “Salt Lick Creek” before the name got shorter.

Those Stone Walls Were Built in the 1930s

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, men from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) made the stone walls and posts you can still see at the lookout today. They got paid $30 each month for their hard work.

The tall safety rails they built still keep folks from falling off the steep cliffs almost a century later. Their stone steps and walls have lasted through years of rain, snow, and sun.

They also cut the first good paths to the base of the falls. If you look close, you can see hints of Native designs mixed with 1930s style in the rock work.

Spot Black Swift Birds Nesting Behind the Curtain of Water

Look for black swift birds that make their homes behind the falls where they’re safe from most hunters. Their babies hatch in July each year.

The clever birds use mud and moss to build nests on tiny rock edges behind the water. They’re one of very few bird types that can nest in such wet spots.

These shy birds can be hard to spot, but if you’re patient, you might see them dart in and out of the mist. Bring binoculars now to try and watch them zip around the falls.

The Rock Bowl Makes the Falls Roar

The way the falls drop into a rock bowl shape (aka an “amphitheater”) makes them look even more grand.

You can see tall basalt stone columns that tell this old earth story. The shape works like a sound dish, making the roar of water echo all around you.

On hot days, you’ll feel cool air flowing up from the basin. The curved walls trap mist and make the area much greener than lands around it.

Walk Just 50 Yards From Your Car to See the View

You don’t have to break a sweat to enjoy Salt Creek Falls. The main viewing spot sits just 50 yards from the main parking lot.

The path is smooth and has rails built at the right height for folks in wheelchairs too. This flat trail lets you see the whole falls without a long trek.

You’ll find places to sit along the path so you can take in the view. Some days in summer, you might even find free loaner spy glasses at the main lookout.

The short walk makes this a perfect stop even if you’ve only got 15 minutes to spare.

Enjoy a Snowy Scene When Most Parks Are Closed

While the main path closes when snow falls, you can still see the icy falls by parking at the Salt Creek Sno-Park and walking just 0.4 miles along the road.

During cold months, bring your snowshoes or skis to glide along the trails for a frosty view of the falls. When temps drop very low, parts of the falls freeze into ice towers and interesting shapes.

Winter sun makes the ice shine like glass art. Best of all, the crowds thin out in winter, so you might have the whole view to yourself.

Follow Paths to More Waterfalls Nearby

Salt Creek Falls links to a web of other trails that lead to more water drops in the area. Diamond Creek Falls gives you a quieter spot with lovely rushing streams just a short hike away.

You can take a 3.2-mile loop trail that runs along the rims of both Salt Creek and Diamond Creek canyons. Look for blue diamond marks on trees to help you find your way.

Keep your eyes open for deer, foxes, or even bears on the less busy paths. Many of these trails follow old Native paths that once linked the falls to hunting grounds.

Make Your Way to This Secluded Spot

Not many folks know about the secret picnic spot near Salt Creek Falls. Look for a small sign with a picnic table past the restrooms, then follow a short path through the bushes.

You’ll find tables tucked among the trees, with some right next to the creek. This shady area stays cool even on hot summer days.

The picnic ground has flat spots for blankets if all tables are taken. You can hear the falls while you eat but can’t see them from most tables.

Walk Among Trees That Saw the Wild West

As you stroll around Salt Creek Falls, you’re wrapped in thick woods full of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and bright rhododendrons.

The pink and purple rhododendrons look their best in early June, adding pops of color to the green woods.

Some of the trees near the falls have stood for over 200 years, since back when wagon trains first rolled west. Moss hangs from many branches, giving the woods a magic feel.

Wild mushrooms pop up in fall, with over 30 types found along the trails. The rich plant life makes the air smell sweet and pine-fresh.

Salt Creek Falls sits just off Highway 58, an easy stop on your way through the Cascade hills. For just $5 (or use a forest pass), you can see one of Oregon’s top natural wonders in minutes or spend all day hiking the nearby trails.