Three Locations in One! | Mill Creek Falls, Barr Creek Falls, and Avenue of the Boulders
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Just outside the small town of Prospect in south-central Oregon, you’ll find a scenic trail that leads to not just one, but two breathtaking waterfalls, as well as an incredible volcanic rock formation known as Avenue of the Boulders. This 1.5-mile round-trip hike is packed with stunning natural beauty, from towering waterfalls to house-sized boulders shaped by ancient volcanic activity.
If you’re looking for a short, accessible hike with huge rewards, this is the perfect adventure.
Getting to the Trailhead
The Mill Creek Falls and Avenue of the Boulders Trailhead is located just off Mill Creek Drive, a few minutes from Prospect, Oregon. The parking area is spacious and includes picnic tables and a bathroom, making it an excellent place to take a break or have a snack before or after your hike.
Starting the Trail
As you set out from the picnic area, you’ll have two options for getting onto the main trail:
To the left of the picnic tables is a shorter but steeper path that descends quickly to an old fire road, which serves as the main trail.
To the right of the picnic tables is a longer but easier route that follows along the road before connecting with the same fire road at a more gradual incline.
Once you’re on the main trail, you’ll soon come to a spur trail on the right. If you’re eager to reach the waterfalls quickly, you can take this shortcut. Otherwise, continue straight on the main trail until you reach a larger fork in the path.
At this trail junction, you have two choices:
Go left to Avenue of the Boulders (which I recommend saving for the return trip).
Go right to visit Mill Creek Falls and Barr Creek Falls.
I suggest visiting the waterfalls first.
Mill Creek Falls: The First Stop
As you continue toward the waterfalls, the trail starts to descend, winding through a beautiful forest filled with Douglas-fir, grand fir, and madrone trees. The area is lush and shaded, and you’ll also pass massive basalt rock formations, adding to the rugged beauty of the trail.
After following the switchbacks down, you’ll reach a clearing with another trail split. Take the left path, and within moments, you’ll arrive at your first stunning viewpoint: Mill Creek Falls.
Mill Creek Falls plunges an impressive 173 feet into the canyon below. Although it’s shorter than Barr Creek Falls, it flows much more powerfully year-round, making it an awe-inspiring sight no matter when you visit. The viewing area is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, so be sure to watch your footing, especially if you’re visiting with kids or pets.
This is a great spot to get some photos of the falls, with towering cliffs and vibrant green vegetation framing the waterfall beautifully.
Once you’ve taken in the breathtaking power of Mill Creek Falls, retrace your steps back to the trail fork to continue toward Barr Creek Falls.
Barr Creek Falls: A Graceful Cascade
From the trail fork near Mill Creek Falls, take the path to the right and continue about a quarter mile. The trail is lined with thick greenery and moss-covered rocks, making for a peaceful walk through the forest.
Soon, you’ll arrive at a small staircase leading up to a rock terrace, where you’ll find one of the best views of Barr Creek Falls.
Barr Creek Falls is one of Oregon’s tallest waterfall, cascading 240 feet over three tiers down the rocky cliffs. Unlike the thundering Mill Creek Falls, Barr Creek Falls is more delicate, often flowing like a silky ribbon over the cliff’s edge.
The rock terrace viewpoint is shaded by madrone trees, offering a comfortable spot to sit, relax, and take in the view. It’s an ideal place to stop for a break before heading back toward Avenue of the Boulders.
Avenue of the Boulders: A Volcanic Playground
After visiting both waterfalls, retrace your steps back to the main trail junction and take the left fork toward Avenue of the Boulders.
As you make your way down the path, you’ll start to notice massive boulders appearing in the forest, gradually growing larger and larger. These house-sized volcanic rocks are remnants of Mount Mazama’s catastrophic eruption 7,700 years ago, which also created Crater Lake. Over millennia, the Rogue River carved its way through the landscape, unearthing and shaping these giant stones into smooth, rounded formations.
When you arrive at Avenue of the Boulders, you’ll find yourself surrounded by colossal rocks, many of which have natural slides, caves, and crevices to explore. This area feels like a natural playground, and if you’re up for some scrambling, you can climb onto the boulders for even better views.
Just before the main boulder field, you’ll see a sign directing you toward the river. If you prefer a more relaxing experience, take this small trail down to the water’s edge, where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the Rogue River flowing through the canyon.
Bonus Viewpoint Near Prospect
Before wrapping up your adventure, there’s one viewpoint I highly recommend checking out.
After leaving the trailhead parking lot, head back toward the town of Prospect. Just after the bridge crossing the Rogue River, on the right you’ll find a small parking area. From here, a short trail leads to another incredible viewpoint overlooking Avenue of the Boulders.
Be aware that there’s no safety fence here, and the cliff drops off steeply, so exercise extra caution if you decide to explore this spot. However, if you’re comfortable with the terrain, this viewpoint offers one of the most stunning aerial perspectives of the boulder field and river below.
Final Thoughts
It’s rare to find a single trail that offers two spectacular waterfalls and a one-of-a-kind geological wonder like Avenue of the Boulders—especially one that’s only 1.5 miles round trip. This hike is short and accessible but packed with natural beauty, making it one of my favorite spots in Oregon. Whether you’re drawn in by the powerful cascades of Mill Creek and Barr Creek Falls, the surreal volcanic landscape of Avenue of the Boulders, or simply the peaceful forest setting, this area has something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re ever in Southern Oregon, I highly recommend making a stop here. It’s an unforgettable experience that showcases some of the best-hidden gems in the region. Also, if you’re in the area and want one more beautiful and short waterfall hike, make sure to check out Pearsony Falls!
Happy exploring!
