Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
500.00 ft (152.40 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
3.30 mi (5.31 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

This loop hike on the upstream end of the Brice Creek Trail completely justifies the extra distance you’ll have to drive beyond the West Trailhead access.  It is an ideal way to experience the drainage, for you’ll gain elevation and perspective over the valley before you return back down to the trail that provides the most intimate views of the creek. 

You will also see the beautiful and delicate Upper Trestle Falls, an overhanging falls that pours over the trail and into a soft plunge pool surrounded by old-growth Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar.  From the trailhead you’ll start the steepest climb of the hike, which is really just a few consecutive switchbacks.  The rest of the hike to the falls is a more gradual ascent that moves back into the Trestle Creek drainage.  Summer flows may not be impressive, but the falls and basin are all the more beautiful for their contrast with the dry, hot hike to get there. In winter the falls course with power, and the small creek tumbles out of the basin.

Continuing beyond the falls, the trail works its way out of the drainage, gradually opening up to views of the Brice Creek valley before working back into the woods for a descent to the Brice Creek Trail.  At this junction you’ll turn left and walk upstream.  Soon enough the trail returns to the banks of the creek and you’ll gain tremendous views of the creek’s small falls and pools.  You’ll also rediscover Trestle Creek as it meets up with Brice Creek.  The water and rock features that this confluence has created are particularly remarkable.  Check out the Brice Creek Trail, Champion Creek to Lund Campground hike for more details and photographs of this section of the trail.

Note: The Trestle Creek Trailhead should not be confused with the Champion Creek Trailhead.  The Trestle Creek Trailhead is approximately 25 yards farther up Forest Road 22, and is also on the left.
 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Close to Eugene. Beautiful falls. Beautiful creek. Swimming.

Cons

Peak summer crowds.

Trailhead Elevation

1,850.00 ft (563.88 m)

Features

Waterfalls
Bird watching
Wildlife
Big Game Watching
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers
Big Game Watching

Suitable for

Biking

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

05/19/2018
Excellent hike with kids. we did upper and lower trail with our 9 and 12 year olds. took 2-3 hours with time spent at waterfall and playing in the creek.
10/07/2017
Wonderful short trail. These waterfalls are worth the drive.
Here is my video on the place:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1Jkx4SRwTU
05/21/2017
Just letting folks know we tried to do this trail yesterday (5/20/17) and the trail was closed due to logging operations. a sign at the trailhead stated the trail would be closed until mid May. So you might want to check with the forest service before making the trip.
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