Waterfall Hikes of Lane County, Oregon - Sweet Creek Falls

Sweet Creek Falls is a gem of hike, nestled in the hills between Eugene and Mapleton and is part of the Siuslaw National Forest. The total hike is an easy 3.8 miles round trip, with only a 500 foot elevation gain, which makes it very accessible to all levels and ages of hikers. There are three different trails that access Sweet Creek Falls, with the main trail being the most accessible for all ages and abilities. There are currently no fees for parking or day usage of the trail and trailhead facilities.

Sweet Creek Falls trail is located off Hwy 126, just before the Siuslaw River and the bridge that leads into Mapleton, Oregon. Turn south on Sweet Creek Road and keep to the left when road "y's". You will come to the first trail which is located at the Homestead trailhead and is about ten miles from the highway turnoff. It is marked by a small sign. Amenities at the trailhead include outhouses and picnic tables. Also, a short section of the trail that begins at the Homestead Trailhead is wheelchair accessible.

Spring is a wonderful time to walk this trail, as the abundance of woodland wildflowers is quite amazing. Columbines and wild woodland Iris peek out from between the rocks in the sides of the trail. Ferns of all sizes and mosses of amazing shades of green cover the trees and downed logs.

As you walk upstream, you will be treated to several small waterfalls cascading over the rocks. Metal catwalks have been built into the trail, making it an exceptionally easy hike. I've never found this trail to be overly crowded, even at the end where Sweet Creek Falls cascades seventy-five feet to a pristine blue pool. Sweet Creek Falls is a three-tiered waterfall, with the first being a ten-foot punchbowl at the top that is difficult to reach, as there is no officially maintained trail. You can also see another view of the falls by parking at the Sweet Creek Trailhead (about ½ mile from the Homestead Trailhead) and taking a short hike down to view the falls from above.

The most popular and easiest trail is on the east side of the creek, though another trail is on the west bank as well. There is no current bridge across the creek, but it is fairly easy to cross the creek in the summer months when it is lower. The easiest way, however, to access this part of the trail is to drive another 9/10 mile up Sweet Creek Road to the Wagon Road Trailhead, where the southern trail begins. Only the Homestead Trailhead has the rest room amenities and paved parking area.

Lane County has quite a few wonderful day hikes to waterfalls, but Sweet Creek Falls has long been one of my favorite destinations.