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Sweet Creek Falls Trail


Highlights:

Wooded canyon, Beautiful waterfall, lovely creek views
Near:Mapleton, OR
Scenery:
Distance:3.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:500 ft
Hike Time:2 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: Just in the parking lot you can get a feel for how gorgeous this hike will be. As you start down the trail stop at the small bench and watch the salmon jumping in the rushing stream. There are numerous places to walk out onto the rocky shore for a little off trail exploring, but please avoid walking across the fragile riparion soil. Wildlife and wildflowers abound as the trail follows the beautiful creek past several mini-falls. Halfway down the trail a small stream tumbles down a mossy rock face into the creek, as you follow some small boardwalks around the canyon. Soon you will see the falls up ahead, feel free to follow a side trail to the top of the rock face and watch the water tumble into the small pool below. If you feel brave, take a small swim in the icy cold waters. If I ever find "The One" this is where i will propose to her. With small reluctance you head back to your car but you can experiance the beauties again on your way there.
Trailhead:  On hwy 126 from Eugene to Florence turn left onto Sweet Creek Road just before the Mapleton bridge. Take a left when the road Y's, keeping on Sweet Creek Road. The Trailhead is appx 10 miles from the Hwy, marked with a small sign. There is a small paved parking lot.
If you choose you can keep driving for 1.7 miles on Sweet Creek Road and go directly to the falls, but you will miss some absolutely beautiful scenery. (Lat:43.96252 Lon:-123.90411)

Trail Guides for Sweet Creek Falls Trail:
Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: U.S. Forest Service, Mapleton Ranger District (541) 902-8526
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Wilson, who has posted  18 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 2 of 3   Submit your own review
Reviewed by gary S. on 8/13/2006
Every year I return to this place I call heaven.It still takes my breath away. As a young boy growing up on the coast in the early 60's we used to backpack into sweet creek. back then there were two saw mills and many homesteads. we even went about five miles back and found a old saloon that still had the swinging doors on it.i will always go back at least once a year just to relive my childhood!!!!

Reviewed by DW on 3/13/2006
Wow!! This is a beautiful hike and gorgeous scenery. I will have to go back. Currently, there is a section of trail just off the Sweet Creek Falls that is not accessable due to a tree that fell. You can still backtrack to the middle trailhead, hike up to the road and then follow the road to the next trailhead. On the left side (heading south), there is a small parking lot with a trail to Beaver Creek Falls (did not have time to do that one, will go back).

Reviewed by S.M. on 10/23/2005
This was a beautiful hike, we went with our 3 children and they loved it. We also saw American Dippers (bird that dives into waterfalls). I particularly loved the catwalks-like the above poster said it is almost like you are walking on water. I have been hiking in Oregon now (with children) for 6 years and this is in my top 5.

Reviewed by MC on 6/20/2005
While this trail is great, an even better view of Sweet Creek Falls can be had from the opposite side of the creek. Cross the Wagon BRidge over Sweet Creek and look for the trail that runs on the left side of the creek (looking downstream). It is under a mile, but you can see the entire height of Sweet Creek. I've done this hike numerous times and highly recommend it. It is a little steep, with switchbacks, but worth it.

Reviewed by MAH on 5/23/2005
***Directions WARNING*** Please note that the above directons say, "take a left when the road Y's". There are two "Y's" off of Sweet Creek Rd BEFORE you get to the one to which the author is referring. We had the misfortune of taking the first left, "Hadsall Cr Road". From the highway the signage appears that 'left' is still Sweet Creek Rd. It's not! It turns out to be a narrow, fairly well maintained forestry road that seemingly goes on forever. You can eventually end up back on Sweet Creek Rd but without a map you could get lost. So please exercise caution and double check your location before committing to a direction.

Reviewed by ELAJK on 5/16/2005
This was a gorgous spot and it was well worth the drive from Newport down there. It seems like a hidden secret.

Reviewed by Stephanie on 8/4/2004
I was fortunate enough to return to a hike I knew from my childhood two days ago, and I am pleased to say it was as beautiful as ever. This hike is one I recommend seeing in different seasons. It's striking beauty and serenity shifts from one time of the year to the next, although be sure to be prepared for higher water levels, more mud, and less traction!! Enjoy...

Reviewed by Deana on 11/24/2003
Sweet Creek is beautiful. I like the feeling you get when you walk across some of the bridges. It makes you feel like you're walking on water. I would definitely hike here again. Don't you just love Oregon?


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Lane County Hiking, Lane County Trails, Lane County Hikes

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