Watson Falls

Idleyld Park, Oregon

4.3/5

based on 6 reviews

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Details

Distance

0.54 miles

Elevation Gain

515 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Eric Johnson

Watson Falls is the 3rd largest waterfall in Oregon and is easily accessible with a 0.6-mile roundtrip hike.

Watson Falls hurtles over a cathedral amphitheater wall of basalt, crashing into a long talus slope covered in moss and vine maple. At 272 feet, Watson Falls is the 3rd tallest waterfall in Oregon.

We actually stumbled upon Watson Falls driving back from Toketee Falls. The parking area is about 500 feet south of Highway 138 on the right side. The trail crosses Road 37 and climbs 0.33 miles up to the base of the falls. After that the trail continues up the mossy hill on the right leading to a look out point with a wooden bench to rest at before the trek back down.

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Watson Falls Reviews

Isaac Orloff

Watson Falls

06/19/16

I visited Watson falls in early spring and the falls were in prime conditions! They are easy to find and located close to the road. After a short hike you are treated with a surprisingly awe inspiring waterfall that will not disappoint in its unique setting. Watson falls makes a great quick stop to stretch your legs and grab some stunning photos as you travel north or south on a road trip.

5.0

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Watson Falls

05/16/16

This is definitely a tall falls but you'll still have to hike up to it to see most of it. The hike is short and nice, not as crowded as other nearby spots. It's not the most interesting photographically speaking but still worth grabbing a shot if you're nearby.

4.0

Sasha Smirens

Watson Falls

08/17/15

Came here mid August after coming from Crater Lake while heading over to Silver Falls SP. Besides a few people leaving as we showed up, and a few people walking up as we left, this place was empty. That was just one of the many advantages of this place. It was quiet and peaceful so that you could spend time getting extremely close to the falls without feeling in the way of someone taking a photo of listening to anyone chattering away. This fall was on par with (if not even better than) the waterfalls along the Columbia Gorge, but luckily it had less traffic, parking struggles, human noise, and overall clutter. The trail up and down is beautiful and follows the water that crashes down from the falls to become a creek. The falls are pretty cold as you get up to them so you might want to bring a sweater or waterproof jacket!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Watson Falls

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Watson Falls Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Toketee Falls

Umpqua Hot Springs

Whitehorse Falls

Clearwater Falls

Muir Creek Falls

Mt. Bailey and Hemlock Butte Cabin

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