Butte Creek Falls Trail | A Lush Waterfall Loop in Oregon’s Santiam State Forest
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Tucked away in Oregon's lush Santiam State Forest, just an hour and a half southeast of Portland, the Butte Creek Falls Trail offers an incredibly scenic and rewarding experience in a compact, accessible loop. This short yet stunning trail leads you to not one, but two beautiful waterfalls: the wide and walk-behind Upper Butte Creek Falls, and the tall, elegant cascade of Lower Butte Creek Falls. If you love old-growth forest, moss-draped scenery, and easy access to classic Pacific Northwest beauty, this hike is a must.
Arriving at the Trail
The main parking area for the Butte Creek Falls Trail is small, with room for 4–5 vehicles, but roadside overflow is available if needed. The trailhead is clearly marked and features a vault toilet and trash receptacles. It’s well maintained, with clear signage and a clean, inviting trail.
To Upper Butte Creek Falls
From the trailhead, head right to begin the loop and visit Upper Butte Creek Falls first. Almost immediately, you'll find yourself immersed in an incredibly lush old-growth forest, filled with towering Douglas-fir, cedar, and hemlock trees. Vine maples twist gracefully overhead, while the forest floor is carpeted with ferns, Oregon oxalis, and salmonberry bushes. This portion of the trail is particularly stunning in mid to late spring, when everything is vibrant and green.
As you descend gently along the trail, you’ll cross a small footbridge over a creek surrounded by even denser vegetation. Depending on the season, you may also spot wildflowers like Pacific corydalis blooming along the trail.
Soon you’ll arrive at a trail junction with a sign directing you to Upper Butte Creek Falls. A short descent brings you right to the base of the waterfall. Upper Butte Creek Falls is only 26 feet tall, but its wide, uniform curtain of water spilling over a basalt ledge and in front of a deep cavern below makes it uniquely beautiful. You can walk directly behind the falls into the cavern for a truly immersive and energizing experience. The echo of the water and the refreshing mist add to the magic.
For a more front-facing view, follow the creek a bit downstream. Depending on water levels, you can either cross carefully at the base or follow a short spur trail to a better vantage point. This spot offers wonderful views of the falls framed by the surrounding forest.
To Lower Butte Creek Falls
Once you’ve explored Upper Butte Creek Falls, return to the main trail and continue toward Lower Butte Creek Falls. You’ll soon pass another trail junction where the loop forks again—this is where you’ll return to later. Keep heading straight to reach the viewpoint.
The trail meanders downhill through more dense vegetation and across two small footbridges. As the canyon deepens on your right, the sound of the creek and falling water grows louder. Eventually, you'll reach a viewpoint marked by a caution sign due to the steep cliffs. Be mindful here—while the main viewpoint is large and flat, the surrounding area includes sheer drop-offs of over 150 feet. Step out onto the overlook and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of Lower Butte Creek Falls.
This waterfall plunges 78 feet into a beautiful turquoise pool below, surrounded by dense forest and, depending on the season, blooming wildflowers. It’s a breathtaking scene that perfectly captures the serene, untouched feeling of this hike.
There is an unofficial trail that descends farther to a lower viewpoint and even the base of the falls, but it’s steep and unmaintained. I don’t recommend it, especially in wet conditions or if you’re hiking with kids or pets. The main overlook alone offers fantastic views and plenty of photo opportunities.
Completing the Loop
After soaking in the view, head back to the trail junction you passed earlier. From here, you can either return the way you came or complete the loop via the shorter, upper trail through the forest. Both are scenic options, though the lower trail near the creek is arguably more picturesque if you don’t mind the slightly longer return.
Final Thoughts
The Butte Creek Falls Trail is one of the most beautiful short hikes in the region. With two uniquely different waterfalls, lush greenery, and a peaceful atmosphere, it offers an incredible amount of beauty in a relatively small area. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, this trail is a perfect half-day escape into Oregon’s enchanting wilderness. Don’t forget your camera, and if you visit in spring or early summer, prepare to be blown away by just how green and alive this place feels.
Happy Exploring!
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Trailhead Location
Also See
Upper Butte Creek Falls: Relaxing Nature Escape
Step into the peaceful beauty of Upper Butte Creek Falls, a serene 26-foot waterfall nestled in Oregon’s lush Santiam State Forest. Surrounded by towering Douglas-fir and vibrant ferns, this quiet forest sanctuary offers a tranquil escape, where water flows gently over a basalt ledge into a calm, shallow pool below. It’s a perfect place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.