Waterfalls hold a special kind of magic – the sound of rushing water, the mist on your face, and the sheer beauty of nature in motion – and Eagle Point, Oregon, puts you in a prime position to experience some of the Pacific Northwest’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Get ready to embark on a scenic adventure as you chase Southern Oregon waterfalls, with plenty of opportunities to hike, picnic, and revel in the outdoors.
Top Southern Oregon Waterfalls
Stop 1: Mill Creek Falls & Barr Creek Falls
Location: Prospect, Oregon
Distance from Eagle Point: ~45 minutes
Your first stop is the quaint town of Prospect, where you can visit not one but two incredible waterfalls in one short hike. Mill Creek Falls plunges 173 feet into the Rogue River Gorge, while nearby Barr Creek Falls offers a stunning 240-foot drop in a series of tiers. The viewing area is just a short walk from the parking lot, making it an easy stop to kick off your adventure.
Tip: Stop by Eagles Market & Gas for coffee, snacks, and fuel for your vehicle before heading out.
Stop 2: Toketee Falls
Location: Umpqua National Forest
Distance from Mill Creek Falls: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Next, head northeast toward Toketee Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls in Oregon. Toketee is known for its two-tiered drop framed by dramatic basalt formations. The moderate 0.8-mile round-trip trail leads you through lush forest, ending at a viewing platform that offers a perfect vantage point of the falls.
The fall’s lower tier 85-foot drop is particularly mesmerizing, and the surrounding scenery is postcard-perfect. The name “Toketee” comes from a Chinook meaning “graceful,” and it’s easy to see why.
Trail Tip: Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during the summer. The trail is moderately easy, making it accessible for most hikers.
Stop 3: Watson Falls
Location: Umpqua National Forest
Distance from Toketee Falls: ~15 minutes
Just a short drive from Toketee Falls is Watson Falls, Oregon’s third-tallest waterfall, at 272 feet. A quick but slightly uphill 0.6-mile loop trail takes you close enough to feel the mist on your face. Take a few moments at the base of the falls to truly appreciate the scale of the landscape. The thunderous sound of the water and the vibrant greenery are a sensory experience you won’t forget.
Lunch Stop: Steamboat Inn
Location: Near Glide, Oregon
Distance from Watson Falls: ~25 minutes
After a morning of hiking and exploring, head to Steamboat Inn for a relaxing lunch. Located along the North Umpqua River, this charming inn offers hearty, locally inspired dishes. Whether you choose a fresh salad, a warm bowl of soup, or a sandwich, dining with views of the river is the perfect way to recharge before continuing your adventure.
Stop 4: Clearwater Falls
Location: Umpqua National Forest
Distance from Steamboat Inn: ~20 minutes
Once you’re refueled, make your way to Clearwater Falls. This smaller waterfall gently tumbles over moss-covered rocks, giving it a whimsical, fairytale-like quality. The falls are just a short walk from the parking area, making this a great spot for families with kids or anyone looking for a less strenuous stop.
Optional Stop: Crater Lake National Park
Location: Crater Lake, Oregon
Distance from Clearwater Falls: ~1 hour
If you have time, take a detour to Crater Lake National Park. While the lake’s stunning blue waters and dramatic cliffs are worth the stop alone, the park also features Vidae Falls, a picturesque roadside waterfall.
Stop 5: Pearsony Falls
Location: Prospect, Oregon
Distance from Crater Lake or Clearwater Falls: ~1-2 hours
Wrap your waterfall tour at Pearsony Falls, not far from your first stop in Prospect. This hidden gem is a short and easy hike from the trailhead and offers a tranquil finale to your road trip. Though lesser-known than some of the other waterfalls, Pearson Falls has a charm of its own, with water gracefully cascading down a series of small ledges.
What to Bring for your Southern Oregon Waterfalls Road Trip
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Layered clothing for changing weather
- A reusable water bottle
- Snacks or a picnic
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
Eagles Market & Gas Has All Your Road Trip Essentials
Discover iconic destinations and hidden gems as you chase waterfalls through Southern Oregon. Whether hiking to towering cascades or relaxing by smaller falls, each stop is a reminder of the natural beauty that makes the region so special.
Before you head for the sound of rushing water, head to Eagles Market & Gas. You’ll find all the beverages and snacks you need for the road, plus fuel for your vehicle and even a mouthwatering selection of Scratch Dig-In Chicken for a roadside picnic or lunch or dinner on the go when you return home. Whether you make it a one-day whirlwind or stretch it into a weekend getaway, Eagles Market will get your trip started off on the right foot.