Clearwater Falls sits along Highway 138 — also known as the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway — in Oregon's beautiful Umpqua National Forest, about 70 miles east of Roseburg. At just 0.2 miles from the parking area, it's one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, and one of the most rewarding easy stops you can make along this spectacular stretch of highway.

What makes Clearwater Falls unique is that it's spring-fed, meaning the waterfall itself maintains a beautiful, consistent flow even through the drier summer months when many of Oregon's seasonal waterfalls slow to a trickle. Pair that with a lush, mossy forest setting, crystal-clear water, and multiple vantage points — including a path to the base of the falls — and you have a spot that's far more special than its short trail length might suggest. If you're looking for a peaceful and picturesque waterfall with almost no effort required, Clearwater Falls delivers.

Video Walkthrough Guide

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Quick Facts

Difficulty: Easy
Hike Length: 0.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 32 ft.
Hike Type: Out and Back
Pass Required: None
When to Visit: Spring – Fall*
Pets: Dogs on Leash
Kids: Yes
Facilities: Vault Toilet

*Always check weather and road conditions before visiting. Highway 138 can become inaccessible in winter snow, so plan your visit for spring through fall for the best experience.

Is Clearwater Falls worth visiting? Absolutely. Clearwater Falls is one of the most beautiful and accessible waterfalls along Oregon's Highway 138 corridor. The trail is only 0.2 miles, the setting is stunning, and the spring-fed flow keeps the waterfall looking its best even into late summer — making it a reliable and rewarding stop throughout the warmer months.

When is the best time to visit Clearwater Falls? Spring through Fall is ideal. The waterfall itself is spring-fed and flows consistently all year, but certain areas along Highway 138 can become inaccessible in heavy winter snow, so plan your visit between spring and fall for the easiest and most enjoyable experience. Late spring and early summer tend to offer lush green foliage and excellent water flow.

How long does it take to hike to Clearwater Falls? The trail is under 0.2 miles and takes most people just 5–10 minutes to walk. Plan to spend 30–60 minutes total to explore the different viewpoints, walk the short trail to the base of the falls, and take in the surrounding river and forest.

Can you get close to Clearwater Falls? Yes. The main viewing area has multiple vantage points and benches right in front of the falls. You can walk past the viewing area to get even closer, walk up the side of the falls, and even to the top. If you take the short loop down and across the bridge, you can also reach the other side of the waterfall and get a completely different and equally beautiful perspective.

Is Clearwater Falls dog-friendly? Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at Clearwater Falls. The easy, mostly flat trail is great for dogs of all sizes and ages.

If you’re looking for a peaceful and easily accessible waterfall in Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest, Clearwater Falls is a must-visit destination. Unlike many waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest that are fed by seasonal runoff, Clearwater Falls is spring-fed, meaning it flows beautifully all year round.

This stunning cascade tumbles gently over moss-covered rocks and fallen trees before feeding into the Clearwater River, a pristine waterway known for its crystal-clear beauty. Surrounded by towering Douglas-firs and vibrant green foliage, Clearwater Falls feels like a hidden oasis, offering the perfect spot for relaxation, photography, and peaceful contemplation in nature.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Clearwater Falls, including trail details, what to expect, and why this little-known waterfall is one of Oregon’s most enchanting locations.

Getting to Clearwater Falls

Parking area at Clearwater Falls trailhead surrounded by tall evergreen trees in Umpqua National Forest

Clearwater Falls is located along Highway 138 — one of Oregon's most spectacular waterfall drives. From Roseburg, head east on Highway 138 for approximately 70 miles. The trailhead is well-signed along the highway and easy to spot. If you're coming from the Crater Lake direction, you'll be heading west on 138.

One practical note: GPS apps can be unreliable in this stretch of the Umpqua National Forest, so it's worth downloading your maps offline before you head out, or simply following Highway 138 and watching for the trailhead signage. Also keep in mind that Highway 138 can become inaccessible during heavy snowfall in winter — spring through fall is the window to aim for. If you're building a waterfall road trip along this corridor, Clearwater Falls pairs perfectly with Whitehorse Falls, Watson Falls, and Toketee Falls — all within easy driving distance of each other.

Hiking to Clearwater Falls

Wooden picnic table and benches in a forested rest area at Clearwater Falls, surrounded by tall pine trees and soft forest floor

One of the best things about Clearwater Falls is how little effort it takes to get there. The trail is under 0.2 miles, fully maintained, and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There's minimal elevation change — the path is mostly flat with just a few gentle slopes — and it follows alongside the Clearwater River the entire way, giving you gorgeous river views from the very first steps.

The forest here is wonderfully immersive. Towering Douglas-firs filter the light overhead, moss blankets nearly every rock and log in sight, and the constant sound of flowing water accompanies you the whole way down the trail. It's a short walk, but one that feels immediately removed from the world outside. By the time you reach the viewing area, you'll feel like you've been deep in the forest for far longer than a few minutes.

Clearwater Falls

Within just a few minutes of leaving the trailhead, you'll arrive at the main viewing area — and Clearwater Falls is immediately striking. The waterfall stands around 30 feet tall, with a gentle, cascading flow that tumbles softly over moss-covered rocks and fallen logs before spilling into the Clearwater River below. It's not a dramatic plunge waterfall — it's something quieter and, perhaps, more beautiful for it.

The water here is exceptionally clear, almost startlingly so, giving the falls an ethereal quality that's especially gorgeous when sunlight filters down through the tree canopy and catches the surface. Because Clearwater Falls is spring-fed, it maintains a beautiful and consistent flow well into the summer months — a real bonus when you're visiting later in the season and many of Oregon's snowmelt-dependent waterfalls have faded.

The viewing area offers multiple vantage points, so take your time walking around and finding your favorite angle. There are even benches here where you can sit, slow down, and simply listen to the falls. This is a place worth lingering in.

Exploring Beyond the Falls

Clearwater River above the falls, with clear reflective water, fallen logs, and surrounding evergreen trees in Umpqua National Forest

If you have a little extra time, Clearwater Falls genuinely rewards exploration beyond the main viewing deck. Start by heading up the left side of the falls, where you'll find a really interesting perspective on the Clearwater River: the water winds through a tangle of exposed tree roots and mossy ground, looking almost as though it's welling up straight from the earth before it tumbles down over the waterfall. It's a detail that's easy to miss if you head straight back to the parking lot, and well worth the short detour.

To reach the other side of the river, you have two options. You can carefully cross one of the fallen logs near the viewing area — though do use caution here, especially if they're wet. The safer and equally scenic alternative is to head behind the viewing deck and follow the trail downstream along the riverbank. You may encounter a few fallen logs across the path, but they're easy to step over. From the parking lot, take the trail on the opposite side from the vault toilet — it leads down a short hill and across a bridge over the river. From there, turn left and follow the path back into the woods along the riverbank. After a short walk, you'll arrive at the base of Clearwater Falls from a completely different angle — close enough to feel the mist on your face. It's a perspective that makes the waterfall feel entirely new, and one of my favorite things about this spot.

Final Thoughts

Clearwater Falls is one of those places that's easy to underestimate on paper — a short trail, a modest height — but genuinely hard to forget once you've actually been there. The spring-fed clarity of the water, the lush and quiet forest, the multiple viewpoints, and the gentle consistency of the cascade combine into something that feels genuinely special.

If you're planning a day along Highway 138, Clearwater Falls fits naturally into a longer waterfall itinerary alongside Watson Falls, Toketee Falls, and Whitehorse Falls — together, they make for one of the best waterfall days Oregon has to offer. And if you can't make the trip just yet, I've also filmed both a one-hour ambient nature escape and a cinematic nature escape at Clearwater Falls. It’s a great way to experience them from wherever you’re at!

Happy Exploring! 🌿

Clearwater Falls: An Incredibly Accessible Waterfall in Oregon's Umpqua National Forest

Video Walkthrough Guide