Salt Creek Falls, Oregon - a Lesser Known Gem

Oregon is a unique and wonderful place if you are looking for natural wonder. Anyone who has visited here would be forced to agree, even if they didn't like the place overall. And to the vast majority of us who call it home, Oregon is something special indeed.

If you are planning a visit, there's a good chance you have heard of some of the more famous spots. The Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls, Crater Lake National Park, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and such. There are many more beautifully worthy places to visit that aren't on the brochures and don't make it into most travel guides.

Wonders that if you miss the sign at a turnoff, or don't even know to look for a sign (or a turnoff) you might go right on by and never even know you missed. One way to discover new and interesting areas deserving exploration is what I call "whim driving." Road looks interesting? Want to know what is on the other side of that mountain? Take the road and find out. It also works while hiking and biking, just don't get yourself lost!

You might go down a road or trail and turn around, not seeing anything to excite or inform you. Or it could happen that you pop into a place like Salt Creek Falls.

It's touted as the second highest waterfall in Oregon, although that's by no means settled. What's sure is that Salt Creek Falls is 87 meters (286ft) tall with and average width of 12 meters (40ft) making it a full, wide waterfall. Like any in Oregon it can vary widely depending on water flow, but not as much as some. Salt Creek Falls remains relatively steady throughout the year.

It's extraordinary in it's beauty, and Salt Creek Falls is right off the road. But unlike it's more famous cousin Multnomah Falls, the waterfall at Salt Creek isn't visible from the highway, save for a very short time when traveling east. If you are going west, you won't see it at all unless you look sharply over your shoulder.

When you pull off Oregon State Highway 58 between Oakridge and Sisters (at the sign for Salt Creek Falls) you will drive a very short distance to a parking area. From there, it's an easy hike over to the waterfall. Unlike most falls where you are at the bottom, at Salt Creek Falls you are at the top. It gives a nice perspective.

You can find more information at the U.S. Forest Service site (here) , including information on the 5.00 parking fee, which isn't collected if you have a Northwest Forest Pass.