Abiqua Falls
Scotts Mills, Oregon
Details
Distance
0.69 miles
Elevation Gain
115 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Whitney Whitehouse
Take a short hike to one of Oregon's most scenic waterfalls, Abiqua Falls (92 feet). It's helpful to drive to the trailhead in a 4x4 and necessary in the winter months.
This trail is unmarked and a little rough and rugged. The land is privately owned by Mount Angel Abbey, but they don't appear to have problems with courteous hikers. Walking out of the parking area back up the road in the direction you came from, you’ll pass one dirt trail right at the ending of the parking area. Look about a little further down the road (~100 feet) and find the second trail – this is the one you want. After hiking down a steep part of the trail, you’ll hit the creek. Head upstream along the creek to get to the falls. As you get close to the falls, you’ll have to climb over logs and boulders.
This is also an amazing spot to capture photos during the winter. Make sure that if you choose to go here in the snowy months that you have a 4x4 vehicle to get you to the trailhead.
For directions on how to get to the parking area:Use a GPS to get you to the town of Scotts Mills, from there you'll want to turn south on Crooked Finger road. You'll go about 9.5 miles down that road, the pavement will end and you'll want to keep going. Once the dirt road starts you'll drive another 1.4 miles until you come to a dirt road on the right that is marked with some writing on a piece of wood on a tree - it reads CF 300. After you're on CF 300 drive straight at every junction until you get to a parking area about 2.5 miles downhill. The road is pretty rough and you'll think you're going the wrong way, but keep going :) you'll know you're at the end when you reach a locked gate.
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Abiqua Falls Reviews
This is a great hike. I would recommend driving down in a 4x4, as the adventure says, but nonetheless, it is a must see! The trail is a little rough so I recommend wearing good shoes, and do not attempt if you aren't confident on your feet.
5.0
Everything I'd read about this hike going in made me think the road would be the worst of it. The road wasn't great, but there was only a short (~0.1 mile) section of it that was really horrendous. Any small SUV could easily take the road, although having a spare tire and a pump on hand is definitely advised. The trail itself was wild. Basically a near-vertical wall of mud and loose rocks. I fell once, thankfully not badly, but it could easily have been a very dangerous situation. I sent more than a few rock flying downhill, so definitely watch out if there is anyone below you. I also had a dog with me, which I would not advise...he made it down safely, but that was as much luck as anything else. Getting back up was not as bad, but still could have easily resulted in a dangerous slide. Be VERY careful. All that said, the falls were quite beautiful (and probably worth the effort/risk). This time in late January and early Feburary, the sun aligns just over the falls so there are some amazing light rays that shine through the trees.
4.0
There's nothing like a great Monday morning hike to get you set up for a wonderful week. Such a great hike, super fun in the rain and the falls are stunning. When you come around the last bend in the river and see the falls, it's breathtaking. Extremely fun, short and a great hike for those looking for a nice place to hangout. I'm looking forward to coming back in the warmer months. Fun in the rain, recommend a good pair of waterproof boots and a good attitude!
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