Tag Archives: Oregon’s 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

Toketee Falls

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HIGHWAY OF WATERFALLS

UMPQUA RIVER SCENIC BYWAY

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic Views, Chasing Waterfalls

1 mile, 130′ elevation gain, < 1hour duration, rated Moderate

Date: September 18, 2025

Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure
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Toketee Falls
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My ‘epic roadtrip’ from SoCal to the Pacific Northwest took to me to many spectacular places with so many extraordinary views. Toketee Falls with it’s approximately 120′ drop over two sections was not the tallest or the most powerful waterfall of my trip, but it will forever be etched in my mind and in my soul.

Toketee Falls and it’s setting defines beauty, splendor and magnificence. It simply takes your breath- stripping away all worry and woe. Your eyes get big, a feeling of calm settles over you and time stops.

Located in the Umpqua National Forest along Oregon’s stunning Highway of Waterfalls the hike to Tokeete Falls is about a mile through a wonderful old growth forest of Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock and Red Cedar. Staircases, footbridges and a viewing platform at the end makes it a short moderate little hike.

This pothole resembles a heart from this angle, formed by swirling sediment.

In the Native American Chinok language “Toketee” means “pretty or graceful.” Pretty and graceful are just the start of the superlatives attempting to describing this amazing vision. I am here to say that the Ancient People as well as Modern Man cannot easily paint the picture in words to describe the feeling and the beauty of this incredible natural phenomenon.

Tokettee Falls

From the observation deck Toketee Falls plunges 120′ into a stadium of columnar basalt rock. I noticed a couple of risk-taking 20 somethings sneaking through the fence at the observation deck to go down to the falls. Fool-heartedly I attempted to follow the daredevils using a ratty rope tied onto a root making my way down a near vertical cliff. I went down the first sketchy section then regained my wits after seeing the next section was even worse realizing I was not 20. People have died trying to get a better look at this falls. So such shenanigans is not advised. Still afterwards I wished I had finished going down the cliff.

After a day of chasing waterfalls it was time to find a dispersed campsite in the Umpqua National Forest. I headed down a Jeep Trail past Umpqua Hot Springs, which was to be the next days event. Further and further I four-wheeled down this desolate logging road. It became a bit worrisome when I saw trees that had fallen from the hillside above across parts of the trail. I could get around them, however what if one fell during the night and completely blocked the Jeep Trail? A number of trees looked rather precarious along with boulders and the like.

Camp for the night.

I scouted a couple spots where I could pull in off of the road and found one that was perfect. I could tuck in nicely and far enough that I would not easily be spotted from the dirt road. It was in beautiful forest, had plenty of space for my rig and even had a fire ring. Hunters or someone had used this spot before. I did not start a fire as I wasn’t sure if it was allowed during the Summer, plus I would be ready to turn in as soon as the long shadows of evening turned into the black of night. Tomorrow would come early and there were more Adventures to Pursue.

There are places that are not only visited but felt.  The waterfall carries all of the fatigue away in its wake.  

From the moment I saw a picture of Toketee Falls I knew that I had to travel there and experience it for myself. Toketee Falls is simply magical and the basalt rock framing it makes it both lovely and picturesque in the most unique manner. Thanks for joining me chasing waterfalls in the captivating Umpqua National Forest. Tokeete Waterfall is a stress reducer, gazing out at the falls lowers anxiety, improves your mood scientifically by lowering cortisol while increasing dopamine. This is what ‘Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure’ is all about. This is what Nature can do for you. However, when you listen to the thundering falls, and take in the visually stunning beauty of the waterfall you aren’t contemplating the scientific effects this scene has on your psyche because you are too busy being bewitched by it’s magnificence. Oregon’s Highway of Waterfalls has more wonders in-store just ahead so stick around by doing a couple easy tasks,  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, plus it helps support this PBTA initiative.

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
YouTube Channel
Watson Falls
CLICK THE PIC!

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