Pearsony Falls | A Magical Waterfall in the Heart of Prospect, Oregon
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Tucked away in Prospect, Oregon, within the Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint, Pearsony Falls is one of those hidden gems that feels like you’ve step into another world. Despite being located basically right in town, this short and easy hike transports you into the heart of nature, where you’ll find a lush forest, a peaceful creek, and one of the most enchanting waterfalls in southern Oregon.
If you’re looking for a quick yet magical escape, Pearsony Falls is a must-visit spot, and with the nearby Mill Creek Falls, Barr Creek Falls, and Avenue of the Boulders, there’s even more to explore!
Getting to Pearsony Falls
Pearsony Falls is easily accessible, located just off Mill Creek Drive in Prospect, Oregon. The parking area is spacious, with bathrooms and picnic tables, making it a perfect place to take a break, enjoy a snack, or simply relax before or after your hike.
The entire hike is only 1.2 miles round trip, with the falls just 0.2 miles from the trailhead and an optional 0.6-mile walk to the Avenue of the Boulders viewpoint. The short distance and well-maintained path make this an easy and enjoyable hike for all skill levels.
Hiking to Pearsony Falls
From the parking lot, you’ll pass the bathrooms and picnic tables, cross a small dirt road, and come across a sign marking the trail to the falls. The wide, bark-chipped trail is well-maintained, eventually transitioning into a smooth dirt path. The trail is so accessible that almost anyone can enjoy it! I think this could even be considered wheelchair accessible, especially the section to the falls.
Within just a few minutes of walking, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into a different world. The dense forest canopy of towering Douglas-fir trees and vine maples provides a cool, shaded atmosphere, while a smaller fork of Mill Creek flows gently beside the trail, adding to the tranquility of the experience.
The sound of rushing water grows louder, signaling that you’re close to the falls.
Arriving at Pearsony Falls
In no time, you’ll reach Pearsony Falls, a small but beautiful 12-foot waterfall that splits into two sections as it tumbles over moss-covered rocks.
The left side of the waterfall has a softer, more delicate flow, trickling over fallen logs and weaving between tree branches, giving a fairytale-like appearance. On the right side, the water flows more powerfully, splitting around mossy basalt rocks before cascading into the clear, shallow river below.
The surrounding scenery is lush and shaded, with a gentle mist rising from the falls, making it the perfect spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. On a warm day, the cool, shaded area offers a refreshing escape from the sun.
Exploring More of the Area
For those wanting a different perspective of the falls, there’s an optional short detour worth taking.
If you continue down the trail, you’ll find a large fallen log that serves as a natural bridge across the creek. Carefully crossing this log allows you to reach the opposite side of Pearsony Falls, where you’ll be rewarded with a unique and equally stunning view of the waterfall.
The way the water flows over the moss-covered rocks from this angle makes it feel like you’ve discovered a secret world.
Once you’ve taken in the beauty of Pearsony Falls, it’s time to continue the adventure toward the Avenue of the Boulders viewpoint.
Walking to the Avenue of the Boulders Viewpoint
Retracing your steps back to the main trail, you’ll take a left to continue toward the Avenue of the Boulders viewpoint.
The walk takes about 10 minutes, winding through lush ferns, tall trees, and scattered fallen logs. Along the way, you’ll come across another scenic section of Mill Creek, where a large fallen tree rests along the side of the creek. The calm, clear water and surrounding moss-covered rocks make this a great place to pause and soak in the beauty of the forest.
As you near the end of the trail, the forest opens up to reveal one of the most incredible views in the area.
The Stunning View of the Avenue of the Boulders
At the end of the trail, you’ll arrive at one of my favorite viewpoints of Avenue of the Boulders.
Here, you’ll see massive volcanic boulders scattered across the Rogue River’s canyon, creating a truly unique landscape. These house-sized boulders were formed by Mount Mazama’s massive eruption 7,700 years ago—the same eruption that created Crater Lake. Over time, the powerful Rogue River carved through the landscape, exposing and shaping these massive rocks into the stunning formations you see today.
From the viewpoint, you’ll be standing at the edge of a steep drop-off, so be sure to use caution as you explore.
If you want an even closer look at Avenue of the Boulders, you can check out my previous guide, where I hike down to these massive formations for a hands-on experience.
Final Thoughts
For me, Pearsony Falls is one of the most beautiful little waterfalls in Oregon. Its tranquil atmosphere, fairytale-like setting, and lush forest surroundings make it a magical place to visit year-round.
It’s a location that I return to time and time again, and I hope you get the chance to experience it for yourself.
Happy exploring!
