I took a trip to Salt Creek Falls this weekend to see the second highest single drop waterfall in Oregon, which cascades 283 feet. Salt Creek Falls is one of Southern Oregon’s most powerful falls, with an average yearly flow of 50,000 gallons per minute flowing over the rocks. The primary observation platform at the top of the waterfall is only 50 yards (45.720 m) from the parking lot. However, The entrance was snowed over and the gate closed. I parked at the gate and hiked on the snow about 5 minutes to the platform. The platform is wheelchair accessible with railings that accommodate wheelchair sight-lines. A loop gravel trail (Salt Creek Falls Trail #3673) with interpretive signage offers a short hike with multiple vantage points along the canyon rim.
A steep trail from the platform to the waterfall’s base is short, but is not wheelchair accessible due to numerous stairs. The best viewpoint is said to be halfway down this path. I felt it was the very bottom of the falls being blasted by the wind and spray created by the falls. This required leaving the main trail and climbing down a steep section of hill while trying to keep from sliding on loose rock fragments all the way to the waters edge.
Directions:
To get to Salt Creek Falls from Interstate I-5, take HWY 58 about 57 miles to Forest Service road #5893. Once you turn right onto aforementioned road, stay right and continue about 0.5 miles to the parking lot.
