Watson Falls


June 2008

State: Oregon

Location: Umpqua National Forest, east of Glyde

Height: 272

Crest: 15?

Water Source: Watson Creek

Waypoint: 43.24167N 122.38889W

Summary: Watson Falls is the highest waterfall in southwest Oregon. This is definitely one not to miss. It is a short hike to the falls, and there are a number of other impressive waterfalls and sights to see in the area.

Watson Falls is located in a waterfall rich section of the Umpqua National Forest. Watson Creek plunges 272 feet into an ampitheature carved out of columnar rock and then tumbles down a long noisy cascade a couple of hundred more feet.

Watson Falls is located at milepost 60.5 on Hwy 138. Turn south on to Road 37. The parking lot is on the right. The top of the falls is visible from the parking lot. The trail to the falls crosses the road and then climbs up along the cascade. The trail is .4 miles long and ascends 200 feet or so. The trail crosses the creek near the top of the cascade, providing a nice view of the falls. The trail continues climbing and ends above the base of the falls.

This is a powerful waterfall and produces a lot of spray. You are likely going to get wet if you get close.

Nearby Falls

There are a lot of waterfalls in this area. The nearest is 120 foot Toketee Falls on the North Umpqua River, which is less than 3 miles away. Unfortunately when I visited in June 2008 the Toketee Falls trail was closed due to extensive storm damage. Susan Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls, and some smaller falls are along 138 to the west. Warm Spring Falls, Lemolo Falls and more are to the east. You could spend several days in the area looking at waterfalls.

Photo Gallery






Part of the cascades

View from parking lot

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Last Modified: Sunday, 20-Sep-2009 01:01:51 MDT.

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