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Difficulty: Moderate

Hike Length: 0.8 Miles

Elevation Gain: 170 ft.

Hike Type: Out and Back

Pass Required: None

When to Visit: Year Around

Pets: Dogs on Leash

Kids: Yes

Facilities: Vault Toilet

If you’re looking for one of the most breathtaking and unique waterfalls in Oregon, Toketee Falls is a must-visit destination. Nestled deep within the lush forests of the Umpqua National Forest, this multi-tiered, 120-foot waterfall is framed by dramatic basalt columns, creating a stunning natural amphitheater that’s unlike anything else in the Pacific Northwest.

In this blog post, I’ll describe the short but scenic trail to Toketee Falls, share some helpful tips for your visit, and give you a glimpse of what makes this waterfall so special.

Getting to Toketee Falls

Toketee Falls is located along Highway 138, also known as the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, about 58 miles east of Roseburg, Oregon. The drive itself is a beautiful experience, winding through dense forests and offering occasional glimpses of the North Umpqua River.

Once you arrive at the trailhead, you’ll find a fairly large parking lot with a bathroom.

One thing you won’t miss when you arrive is the 12-foot-wide redwood stave pipeline that runs right next to the parking area. Built in 1949 as part of the North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project, this massive wooden pipeline is an impressive piece of engineering and still carries water to generate electricity for over 22,000 homes!

The Toketee Falls Trail

The trail to Toketee Falls is just 0.4 miles (0.8 miles round-trip), making it a short but rewarding hike. However, don’t be fooled by the distance—there are over 200 stairs along the way, making it a moderate hike, especially for those who aren’t used to climbing. The good news is that the stairs are split into sections, with plenty of flat areas and benches to rest if needed.

As you start the hike, you’ll cross a small wooden bridge over a creek. The trail winds through tall Douglas-fir trees and dense vegetation, with fallen logs and vibrant greenery surrounding you. If you visit in the fall, you’ll be treated to beautiful autumn colors along the way, adding to the already picturesque atmosphere.

Views Along the Trail

As you ascend, you’ll come across a couple of side trails that lead down to the river. While these trails offer some great viewpoints of the North Umpqua River, they can be steep and slippery, so proceed with caution if you decide to explore them.

About halfway through the hike, you’ll reach the first official viewpoint. From here, you’ll have a clear view of the river cascading down a smaller waterfall into a large pothole. This is a great spot to pause, take in the scenery, and snap a few photos.

Continuing up the stairs, you’ll pass through more lush greenery before reaching an open viewpoint with sweeping views of the valley below. On a clear day, you can see the river winding through the canyon and the forest stretching as far as the eye can see.

Reaching Toketee Falls

After ascending the final set of stairs, you’ll arrive at the main viewing platform. This elevated deck is built into the trees and feels almost like a treehouse, offering a fantastic, unobstructed view of Toketee Falls. The waterfall itself is a two-tiered cascade, with the upper falls dropping about 40 feet and the lower falls plunging 80 feet into a deep pool below.

Surrounded by towering basalt columns and lush moss-covered cliffs, Toketee Falls has a truly unique and awe-inspiring appearance. The first time I saw it, I was completely blown away by its beauty. The combination of the falls, the amphitheater-like rock formations, and the surrounding greenery creates a scene straight out of a postcard.

During high flow in the winter and spring, the falls roar with incredible power, but even in the late summer months, when the flow is lower, the waterfall remains stunning, with its distinctive two-tiered flow.

Why You Should Visit Toketee Falls

What makes Toketee Falls so special is not just its stunning beauty but also its accessibility. In less than a mile, you can experience one of the most unique waterfalls in Oregon without needing to commit to a long, difficult hike. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just someone looking for a quick nature escape, Toketee Falls offers something for everyone.

Beyond the waterfall itself, the surrounding North Umpqua region is filled with more incredible sights, including Watson Falls, Clearwater Falls, and Whitehorse Falls, all of which are worth exploring if you have time.

Final Thoughts

Toketee Falls is a place I return to again and again, and it never disappoints. Whether you visit during high flow in the Spring or in the colorful days of Fall, the experience is always magical. I hope you get the chance to visit Toketee Falls and experience its beauty for yourself.

Happy exploring!