Tag Archives: Highway of Waterfalls

Highway of Waterfalls, Hot Springs

Umpqua Hot Springs

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UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Hot Springs Soaking

>1 mile, 250′ elevation gain, >1hour duration, rated Moderate

Date: September 19, 2025

Umpqua Hot Springs can be found in Umpqua National Forest not far off of the High Way of Falls, Hwy 138 also know as the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway.

Camp for the night.

This was part of my Epic Road Trip that I took from SoCal to Washington adventuring my way there and back. The night before I found a great dispersed camping spot off of the old logging road not far from the Hot Springs. I was a little apprehensive about driving back on this lonely road, seemingly in the middle of the wilderness that evening. It was evident by the debris that things can tumble down the adjacent steep wooded hillside such as limbs, rocks and even trees and boulders. Many of which could block me in. I suppose that all adds to the adventure.

I arrived at the trailhead for Umpqua Hot Springs which is a fee area and my America the Beautiful Pass suited me just fine for that. It is a short hike to the Hot Springs. A portion of the trail is a bit steep and can be slippery depending on the weather. There is a little bridge that crosses the scenic North Umpqua River.

Bridge over the North Umpqua River

The Umpqua Hot Springs is in a idlic location. Old growth forest to gaze out upon the hot pools are just above the river. There are multiple pools and the water temperature varies somewhat in each one.

Umpqua Hot Springs

I have read some bad reports about trash, but there was none of that when I was there.

You should be forewarned that this Oregon Hot Springs is clothing optional. When I was there it was about 50-50.

The pools were a melting pot of sorts, with all age groups, shapes, sizes, genders and colors represented in the option of birthday suits. The pools were a melting pot of sorts, It wasn’t crowded, but certainly well stocked.

There is an abrupt decline down to the river and even a hot springs pool down next to the water which is not as warm as the ones above. So if you are over heated from the hot springs you can do a Cold Plunge in the river for maximum health benefits.

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Umpqua Hot Springs
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“In the gentle embrace of hot springs, worries dissolve like steam and we rediscover the essence of our true selves, refreshed and reawakened.” – Traveller’s Elixir

Umpqua Hot Springs is set in a magical environment. Nature provided the state of zen: hot water and the pools, the rugged, but beautiful forest scenery, and the calming sounds of a lovely river. All you have to do is bring your suit… or not. Very relaxing to be ‘Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure’ in this enchanting spot. So that you can be informed of more adventures please do this: FOLLOW, SHARE, COMMENT, and LIKE.  If you are ready to find an adventure there are plenty to inspire in the menu above. Each of the locations is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED Independently. Be sure to visit SHOP APPAREL for all your Adventure Wear needs because although the hot springs maybe clothing optional most of the rest of the world in not, so cover yourself with PBTA hats, beanies and shirts.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Highway of Waterfalls, Water Falls

Watson Falls

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HIGHWAY OF WATERFALLS

UMPQUA RIVER SCENIC BYWAY

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Chasing Waterfalls

Date: September 18, 2025

Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure
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Watson Falls
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I was on my road trip from SoCal to the Pacific Northwest, which took me to many extraordinary places and certainly the Highway of Falls aka the Rogue-Umpqua River Scenic Byway was one such spot,

If you are going to be chasing waterfalls Highway 138 needs to be on your list. I was Westbound after traveling down Highway 97 from Bend Oregon. As far as the Highway of Waterfalls, my first stop was Clearwater Falls and the second was White Horse Falls.

Watson Falls

Stop number three was one of the highest waterfalls in the state of Oregon, Watson Falls. The water crashes a short distance from the upper falls before plummeting 294′ over the edge, free falling to the rocks below.

It is a short hike to the falls. I passed through an old growth forest of Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock along the path adorned with lush greenery and vibrant ferns. The path was a bit steep in places gaining 374′ in elevation. The bubbling sound of the creek and the background noise of the falls added to the enchantment of this place.

When you reach the base of the beautiful falls you are greeted with mist, moss a site to behold.

“Mesmerized by the beauty of this incredible waterfall cascading peacefully down a moss-covered cliff deep in the forest.  The sound of rushing water and the glow of sunlight filtering through the trees make it feel like stepping into a dream of pure Pacific Northwest serenity.” – Matt Swack   

I appreciate you chasing waterfalls with me in lovely Umpqua National Forest. Waterfalls like Watson Falls brings about a feeling of peace and tranquility. It is such a wonderful feeling that you want to do it again and again. Luckily for me I was in the perfect place for that as Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls does just that, presents one after another. “Ya’ just gotta’ luv’ it!” The reason my labor of love, that I call ‘Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure’, exists is to inspire you to find an adventure that can ignite the passion of your soul, while you stretch your legs, feel the light spray from the waterfall on your face, and drink in all that Mother Nature has blessed us with… A good way to get started is to FOLLOW, SHARE, COMMENT, and LIKE.  If you are ready to find an adventure there are plenty to inspire in the menu above. Each of the locations is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED Independently. Yes, that is a PBTA cap upon my head. You can buy one at SHOP APPAREL along with various Adventure Wear items. Be sure to check them out.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Highway of Waterfalls, Water Falls

WHITE HORSE FALLS

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HIGHWAY OF WATERFALLS

UMPQUA RIVER SCENIC BYWAY

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Chasing Waterfalls

Date: September 18, 2025

The Highway of Falls aka the Rogue-Umpqua River Scenic Byway is an exquisite spot to be chasing waterfalls as there is one after another along Highway 138 as I headed West after traveling down Highway 97 from Bend Oregon. The first stop was Clearwater Falls and the experience was only getting better.

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
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White Horse Falls
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This segment of my “epic roadtrip” from SoCal to Washington State was ending with this route along this wonderful “Highway of Falls” in green, lush spectacular Oregon.

Epic Road Trip

Now this is the type of Adventure one Pursues to gain Balance via Nature. Falling, cascading, rushing water tumbling over a cliff. The sound, the feel, the taste, the visual satisfaction, waterfalls are pure magic.

White Horse Falls has a short hike and a short 15′ drop, but what it is not short on is natural beauty. This lovely waterfall on the Clearwater River, in Southwest Oregon is an easy stop. The waterfall is set in a wooded picturesque setting, moss covered rock, framed by a peaceful tranquil old-growth forest.

Fallen timber has been tossed about it’s clear cool pool all part of this exquisite scene which can be viewed from the observation deck, so this waterfall is easy for one and all to checkout the affect that Nature and water can have on the human soul, mind and spirit.

“There is a hidden message in every waterfall. It says its natures way of laughing, go with the flow, and if you’re flexible falling won’t hurt you.” -Dreadhead_Derek

The waterfalls are getting better on this quest for bigger, taller, stronger, prettier, more magnificent. It’s all good. They are all beautiful on this Oregon “Highway of Waterfalls!” ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’, Chasing Waterfalls, ya’ just gotta’ luv it ! Followers of PBTA you don’t have to wait because if you look at the Menu above you will find many adventures that you might want to go explore yourselves. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Speaking of FOLLOWING please LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, and FOLLOW. Also checkout SHOP APPAREL for all of your Adventure Wear needs. It’s all top quality.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursing Balance Through Adventure

Highway of Waterfalls, Water Falls

Clearwater Falls

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HIGHWAY OF WATERFALLS

UMPQUA RIVER SCENIC BYWAY

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Chasing Waterfalls

Date: September 18, 2025

During the return portion of my “epic roadtrip” from SoCal into the Pacific Northwest enjoying the bounties of Nature and the stunning beauty of Oregon and Washington, I found myself ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ in the form of chasing waterfalls. Chasing waterfalls is one of my favorite activities and Oregon is chock full of them!

I was just at Salt Creek Falls and Diamond Creek Falls which only wet my appetite for more. In researching Oregon Waterfalls I heard of the “Highway of Waterfalls’ and that seemed to be exactly what the doctor ordered.

“Highway of Waterfalls” is a nickname given to a portion of the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. The “Highway of Waterfalls” I enter from the Highway 97 to Hwy 138. It boasts one after another proper waterfalls. I headed West on Hwy 138 “The Highway of Waterfalls. My First stop Clearwater Falls.

Clearwater Falls

It is a very short hike, in fact I think I would consider it more of a stroll, but the forest is thick and bountiful. Clearwater Falls is about 30′ tall so it is not as overpowering to the senses as some of the tall thundering waterfalls, that being said it is rather enchanting. At the bottom of the falls is a log jam of timber. Some of the logs and boulders are encased with thick vibrant green moss.

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
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Clearwater Falls
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Grace be the waterfall in the wild of my mind.

Very delightful and appealing waterfall. So excited for more of these Oregon beauties along the “Highway of Waterfalls!” ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’, Chasing Waterfalls, ya’ just gotta’ luv it ! Followers of PBTA you don’t have to wait because if you look at the Menu above you will find many adventures that you might want to go explore yourselves. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Speaking of FOLLOWING please LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, and FOLLOW. Also checkout SHOP APPAREL for all of your Adventure Wear needs. It’s all top quality.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursing Balance Through Adventure