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Abiqua Falls

Scotts Mills, Oregon

4.9/5
based on 24 reviews

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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Features

Photography
Hiking
Scenic
Waterfall

Abiqua Falls Reviews

I tried to go up today and made it just about there but had to turn back. The amount of rain has made water levels abnormally high. At the bottom of the hill the water had come all the way up to where there was no visible trail and was waste deep and flowing pretty steady. I would recommend waiting until water levels get back to normal. Definitely going back this summer though!

It takes quite a bit of effort to get here the first time, but it's so worth it. This is easily my favorite falls in the PNW.

Stunning and incredibly photogenic waterfall. This is an excursion that can be done over and over and not get old. Even the drive out there is tremendously exciting. I would highly recommend taking a higher-clearance vehicle if possible. The road can become very rough!

Leave No Trace

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

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