Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
250.00 ft (76.20 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.00 mi (1.61 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.

Hidden on private land owned by the Mount Angel Abbey, Abiqua Falls is arguably one of Oregon's most spectacular waterfalls.  The 92-foot waterfall is perfectly framed by an enormous basalt amphitheater adorned with lichens, mosses and various ferns, but what makes the hike to the classic cascade so special is that it is so difficult to find, making the end destination that much more rewarding.

As you venture past Scotts Mills, be sure to watch your odometer as none of the forest roads off of Crooked Finger Road are marked.  Passing unfortunately large swaths of clear-cut forest you will eventually reach to the trailhead, which also isn't marked.  See our driving directions for details.

If you have the time, take one of the best waterfalls tours in the Pacific Northwest by visiting nearby Butte Creek Falls and the 10 falls within Silver Falls State Park.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Stunning waterfall.

Cons

Nearby clear-cut. Steep and unimproved trail.

Trailhead Elevation

1,440.00 ft (438.91 m)

Features

Waterfalls
Old-growth forest

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

01/01/2019
Marvelous view all the time. You need to find the exact point to access the trail and have to bring any gloves to grab ropes on the trail. To find the exact point, there is a white sign that's the way. (There's another white sign near a gate, you can go that trail. But it's longer and harder.)
I did this hike in October and it was spectacular! However I was very dismayed to find quite a bit of garbage left behind by irresponsible hikers (including bottle caps, underwear/swimwear, wrappers, etc.). Perhaps even worse, there was a small but growing population of highly invasive herb Robert (AKA Robert's geranium) which I assume was tracked in on someone's shoe. This plant will likely change this ecosystem in the next few years as it spreads. It's nearly impossible to eradicate once it is established. :( This trail is no longer the secret it once was but I'm so glad I had a chance to see it on a relatively quiet weekday afternoon.
10/08/2018
Our 1st time here. We loved it! Great Fall Adventure.
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