Hiking to Watson Falls in Southern Oregon

Watson in a Name? A lot, Sherlock!

Hike to Watson Falls in Southern Oregon

07.12.2023
Watson Falls in Southern Oregon along the Highway of Waterfalls

The #1 rule of the unofficial waterfall club? You cannot take a road trip through Southern Oregon and skip the Highway of Waterfalls. This stretch of Highway 138 east of Roseburg along the Umpqua River is a watery marvel that’s lovely year-round.

Two people at the overlook and watching Watson Falls in Southern Oregon

A hiker crosses a bride enroute to Watson Falls in Southern Oregon

Up close picture of Watson Falls in Southern Oregon

That includes Southwest Oregon’s highest waterfall, Watson Falls. Go early in the morning for a good chance of having this 293-foot oasis all to yourself, at least for a little bit.

The hike to reach it is a forested and relatively easy 1-mile loop lush with ferns. Hiking under a canopy of Douglas fir and western hemlocks, you’re teased along the way with gorgeous glistening cascades.

Cross a wooden bridge with a whoa! vantage of Watson. Continue up a spur trail to a viewpoint closer to the misty action.

High up photo of Watson Falls in Southern Oregon along the Highway of Waterfalls

More waterfalls?! Of course! This is the Highway of Waterfalls…

Discover the Distinct Regions of Southern Oregon

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View

  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View

  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View

  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View

  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View

  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View