Hemlock Falls | A Hidden Beauty Tucked Away in Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest
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If you're looking for a peaceful and rewarding hike through some of the most lush forest in Oregon, Hemlock Falls is a spot that belongs on your list. Tucked into the dense greenery of the Umpqua National Forest, this 45-foot waterfall plunges down a rugged basalt cliff into a canyon surrounded by moss, ferns, and dense forest. It’s a short and accessible hike that offers a big payoff, and it's one of those places that feels like a hidden gem.
Whether you're waterfall-hopping through the Umpqua or simply looking for a quiet walk in the woods, Hemlock Falls delivers beautiful views, relaxing sounds, and a little bit of adventure.
Getting There
Hemlock Falls is located about one hour southeast of Glide, Oregon. The trail begins near Lake in the Woods, a quiet alpine lake tucked into the forest. This small lake has a peaceful atmosphere, with calm waters and forested slopes that reflect beautifully on a still day. There's a campground and day-use area here, making it a great spot for a picnic or a weekend basecamp.
You’ll find a vault toilet that's usually accessible year-round, as well as picnic tables and space for at least 10 cars in the main parking area. If things are full, there’s additional parking available along the road.
Starting Out
To begin the hike, walk along the road that runs past Lake in the Woods. After a short incline, you’ll come across the trailhead sign on the right-hand side. From here, the trail heads into the forest, and right away you’re immersed in lush beauty.
A Trail Through the Forest
In spring, the trail is alive with vibrant green ferns, thick moss covering tree trunks and rocks, and bright yellow violets blooming at your feet. The air is cool and fresh, and shafts of light filter through the tall Douglas-fir and Western Hemlock trees above. It’s the kind of trail that immediately calms your senses.
The path starts off fairly level, giving you time to enjoy the surroundings. Soon, it begins to gradually descend, and at one point you’ll see the trail dropping beneath you in a large curve.
As you continue down a series of switchbacks, the sound of rushing water becomes more prominent, and glimpses of the falls start to appear through the trees. Before long, you’ll find yourself walking alongside the crystal-clear waters of Hemlock Creek. The trail tucks under a few low branches before opening up to the waterfall itself.
Discovering Hemlock Falls
At the end of the trail, Hemlock Falls bursts into view — a 45-foot cascade tumbling over dark basalt rock into a narrow, mossy canyon. It’s a dramatic yet peaceful scene, surrounded by thick vegetation and the steady sound of flowing water.
Though not one of the tallest waterfalls in the region, Hemlock Falls is striking in its setting. The canyon walls are rich with greenery — ferns, mosses, and even small trees growing right out of the rock. The scene is framed by several large fallen trees, including one that lies directly across the creek at the base of the falls. It’s rugged and raw in the best way, like nature arranged it just for you.
Exploring Around the Falls
Depending on the season and water levels, you can explore a few different vantage points:
To the Left: There’s a rocky ledge you can follow carefully to get closer to the large fallen trees in front of the waterfall. This path brings you nearer to the mist and lets you feel the energy of the water up close. From here, you can go around the side and get a beautiful view of water trickling down a moss-covered cliff — a serene detail that adds to the beauty of this spot.
To the Right: If the water isn’t too high, you can cross over some fallen trees to the right of the main trail. This leads to a more head-on perspective of the falls and a lovely view down the canyon, where Hemlock Creek winds through the forest.
Use caution when exploring off-trail — the rocks and trees can be slippery, especially in spring when the water is high.
A Fallen Tree Detour
On your way back up the trail, there’s one more hidden gem worth checking out. About a minute or two back up the path, keep an eye out for a small clearing on your left. It’s easy to miss, but if you follow it and do a bit of light bushwhacking, you’ll come to a large tree that’s fallen across the creek.
This natural bridge is wide and solid enough to walk on, and from here you get peaceful views both upstream and downstream. It’s a fun little detour that feels like your own private spot in the forest.
Make It a Waterfall Day
One of the great things about Hemlock Falls is that it’s just one of several beautiful waterfalls in the area. If you have more time and energy, consider visiting nearby Yakso Falls and Clover Falls, both of which are short hikes that also start from Lake in the Woods. Each has its own unique character and is worth seeing if you're doing a full day of waterfall exploring in the Umpqua.
Final Thoughts
Hemlock Falls is a peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly accessible destination in Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest. With its short trail, vibrant surroundings, and the calming sounds of water echoing through the canyon, it’s a perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
This is one of my favorite places to revisit, especially in spring when everything feels fresh and alive. I hope you get a chance to explore this beautiful little trail for yourself.
Happy exploring!
