Certainly, many of you journey to Southern Oregon drawn by the allure of the Shakespeare Festival, the delectable cuisine, and the abundance of wineries. Yet have you ever contemplated exploring the essence of what truly defines Southern Oregon? Indeed, I'm referring to its outdoor splendor!
In this installment of Day Tripin', we delve into the enchanting realm of waterfalls. There's an undeniable allure to waterfalls. What is it about them that brings us such joy and uplifts our spirits? Some attribute it to the negative ions emitted by waterfalls, claiming their presence induces feelings of happiness and contentment.
Lucky for you there are some wonderful falls all less than a two-hour drive from Ashland.
Barr Creek Falls
You may have traveled by the little town of Prospect on your way to Crater Lake. The Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint offers a 2-for-1 show with Mill Creek Falls (173 ft) and Bar Creek Falls (240 ft) only a quarter mile apart. Both towering falls are visible from across the Rogue River Canyon at the edge of a steep gorge. Take Highway 62 from Medford towards Crater Lake. Take a right on Mill Creek Road and follow the signs to the parking area and trailhead. The falls are slightly less than half a mile down the trail.
Mill Creek Falls
BONUS: At the same trailhead you can go in the opposite direction of the falls (see the large trail system sign at the parking area) and end up at Avenue of the Boulders. These boulders were thrown all the way from Mt. Mazama, more than 20 miles away, when it erupted 7,700 years ago and created the caldera now known as Crater Lake.
Avenue of the Boulders
From the Scenic Viewpoint travel about a quarter mile east on Mill Creek Road into the town of Prospect. Across from the Prospect store is the parking lot and trailhead for Pearsony Falls. It’s less than a quarter mile hike to the falls. Not as high as Mill Creek or Barr Creek Falls, Pearsony Falls is by far one of the most beautiful and picturesque waterfalls in the region.
Pearsony Falls
National Creek Falls is a quick detour off Highway 230 on your way to Diamond Lake or Crater Lake. It’s a relatively short quarter mile hike to the 40ft waterfall - one of the most impressive in the Upper Rogue River Basin. The parking area is not very large and can fill up quickly in the summer months. From Medford, take Highway 62 east toward Crater Lake for approximately 55 miles. Continue onto Highway 230 North, past the turn off to Crater Lake National Park for approximately 6 miles to NF- 6530. There will be a sign. Turn right and follow the road for 3.8 miles to the trailhead.
National Creek Falls
Embark on your own adventure and discover the mesmerizing beauty of not only Southern Oregon's waterfalls, but all things outdoors that the region has to offer.
For more information and complete directions to all of the area’s waterfalls visit AllTrails.
All photos: Tony Kay Photography
