Location: North Umpqua River, Near Glide, Oregon
Distance: .8 Mile Out and Back Time: 30 Minutes-1 Hour
Difficulty: Easy
Season: Year Round but Best After Spring Run Off
Foot Traffic: Heavy
Overview
Located along the North Umpqua River, Watson Falls is a stunning, nearly 300 foot plunge type waterfall. Additionally, it is the highest waterfall in all of Southwest Oregon. As far as family friendly hikes go, it doesn’t get much better than Watson Falls. The trail is very straight forward and easy and reaches the falls in less than .5 mile (one way). Despite the short length of the trail, visitors will not be disappointed. In the short half mile to the falls, hikers will be greeted by classic Oregon foliage, with lush greenery everywhere and the sight and sound of Watson Creek continuously beckoning visitors to look up towards the falls.
While this hike can be done year round, they are technically best after spring run off. This is when the falls will be at their fullest and be the most dramatic. With the hike to Watson Falls being so short, visitors should make sure to take advantage of the many other great attractions in the area. Toketee Falls and The Umpqua Hot Springs are just a few of the spectacular nearby sites.
Trail Description and My Story
About ten years ago, my wife and I began exploring the State of Oregon after having moved from Hawaii to California. I was shocked at how reminiscent the lushness and greenery of Oregon was to Hawaii. With everything in Oregon being new to us, we decided to take a 6 day trip towards Crater Lake National Park, stopping by some waterfalls along the North and South Umpqua Rivers along the way. On this day, I will admittedly confess to being the most excited to explore the nearby Toketee Falls. However, when the day was done, I would have to say that I was the most impressed by the short hike to Watson Falls.
Starting the Trail
After an early morning hike to Toketee Falls, my wife and I made the short drive to the Watson Falls parking area. From the parking area, we crossed the street and started along the well marked Watson Falls Trail. It was a bit overcast outside and I was starting to wonder if it was going to rain but the sun was still peeking through the clouds emitting a rather sensitizing glare. The trail to Watson Falls is incredibly short but immediately I was awestruck by the lush greenery and foliage. Watson Creek flowed directly to our left as we marveled at the scenery around us. At .3 miles into the trail we stopped at a wooden footbridge that allowed stunning sights of Watson Falls in front of us.
Arriving at Watson Falls
We continued past the footbridge for a few brief moments before arriving near the base of Watson Falls. The nearly 300 waterfall, flowed magically over the basalt lava rocks behind it. I sat in amazement as the wind was now causing the falls to calmingly spray us.
The setting around Watson Falls completely blew my mind. Ferns and mosses covered nearly every rock along the stream and much of the lower part of the basalt rock beneath the falls.
While this is a short hike at only about .4 miles one way, my wife and I were rather surprised at how long it took us to finish it. What I was assuming would take us about 15-20 minutes to finish, ending up taking us over an hour due to the immense beauty along the trail and the constant stopping to admire and take in all the beauty. In addition to the main part of the trail, there is also a spur trail near the end of the hike that heads towards the upper part of the falls. You can see the falls from about halfway up this trail but the views from here are incredibly obstructed and photographing the falls from here is extremely difficult.
Overall, the trail to Watson falls is phenomenal despite its short length. I’m sure that families and hikers of all abilities will truly enjoy this majestic waterfall as much as I did.
Getting to Watson Falls
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is Watson Falls a fee area?
- No, there are no fees to hike the Watson Falls or to park at the trailhead parking lot.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- Yes, a vault toilets is located in the parking area.
Are dogs allowed on the Watson Falls Trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed on the Watson Falls Trail. However, they must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers, and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
