Willamette National Forest

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Chasing Waterfalls

4.2 miles, 758’ elevation gain, 2.5 hour duration, rated Moderate

Date: September 18, 2025

As part of my “Epic Road Trip” where I traveled from SoCal exploring many exciting and beautiful places in California, Oregon and Washington I found myself ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ in Central Oregon.

Once again I had a yearning to chase waterfalls and Oregon has some of the best.

(Checkout my trip to Silver Falls which has so many fabulous falls and all accessible if you are willing to hike a little… well, maybe a more than a little.)

The hike I chose on this day encompassed two stunning waterfalls. It was a lovely hike through verdant forest, beside a still lake and along cliffs presenting sweeping views overlooking a breathtaking rugged gorge.

From the parking area I took Salt Creek Falls Trail. The magnificence of Salt Creek Falls is only a hop and a skip away for those in a hurry or perhaps less mobile. But- the way to experience this treat of nature, these extraordinary waterfalls, is to hike them.

I stuck my head over the side to take in the view and indeed it was spectacular. It is easy to become mesmerized by the tumbling water as it flings its flow over the cliff, falling 286′ to the turbulent dark pool below. (Second highest waterfall in the State, the first is Multnomah Falls.)

I had to break myself of its spell and follow the trail down down down to an observation spot to see its wonders from a different angle and as you might imagine it did not disappoint.

Then I retraced my steps back up to the top never missing an opportunity for another glimpse even if I had just seen it on the way down. Once on top I had to tear myself away again and ramble on down the trail connecting with Diamond Creek Falls Trail.

My trek was a delight with one final view up close and personal of Salt Creek Falls just before it goes airborne. I passed ‘Too Much Bear Lake’, which I am sure was named that for a good reason, but on this day I did not see any bear.

I would cross the stream a couple times and carefully creep up to the side of the cliff, which warning signs hand mentioned beforehand.

The trail led through an enchanting forest, pine scent and all. The sound of the flowing stream was a constant companion, but as I drew closer to my next objective the welcome sound of crashing water beckoned me onward.

Diamond Creek Falls was much different than Salt Creek Falls both incredible in their own way. The water coming down Diamond Creek Falls fanned out, tumbling down the slanted face of the moss covered rock to the shallow pool below, perfectly framed by lush forest.

Thanks for joining me on my epic Road Trip from SoCal through Pinnacles National Park and then Mount Shasta in NoCal. I traveled on to my main event, Backpacking the Mount Jefferson Wilderness in Oregon. Afterwards I journeyed to the Northern parts of Washington. During my return I visited Mount Rainier National Park and outlying areas. I then set my sights on the Highway of Waterfalls. How intriguing does that sound? My tour would encompass many waterfalls in close proximity such that I could do it justice and complete this endeavor in just a couple days of hiking. This undertaking would leave me enchanted, spellbound and my soul full. There are many waterfalls to come so I wholeheartedly suggest that you LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you like the hat I have on in the pictures then I invite you to go to SHOP APPARELfor all of your Adventure Wear needs. PBTA travels extensively throughout the West if you go to the menu above you will see that the areas are categorized by area or activity. I am sure that this will fuel ideas when planning your next adventure.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure