• Blue Hole Falls is a hidden waterfall and natural swimming hole on Brice Creek
Blue Hole Falls is a striking little waterfall tucked along Brice Creek, about 24 miles southeast of Cottage Grove in the heart of the Umpqua National Forest.
The falls drop over a mossy rock ledge into a deep blue-green pool carved into the canyon floor. The water is remarkably clear, and its color shifts between emerald and turquoise depending on the light.
Swimming, photography, and hiking make Blue Hole Falls one of the best-kept secrets in Southern Oregon. The short but rugged access trail keeps crowds light, so the area often feels quiet even on warm summer weekends.
The trail to the falls is short (about 0.15 miles), but it is steep and can be slippery.
Things to Do at Blue Hole Falls
Hiking
The trail to the Blue Hole Falls is short (about 0.15 miles), but it is steeper than it looks. The path descends quickly, with sections requiring climbing over logs and navigating slippery rocks. Wearing sturdy shoes is recommended.
The nearby Brice Creek Trail, stretching about 5.5 miles along the creek and connecting to several additional waterfalls and swimming holes, offers extended hiking.
Swimming
The pool at the base of the falls is deep enough for full-body swimming. Smooth rock walls surround the water on three sides, forming a natural bowl that holds the brisk, crystal-clear flow of Brice Creek.
Even on hot summer days, the water remains very cold—typically in the mid-50s °F—so expect a refreshing but brief swim. Entering the water can be tricky, as the rocks are often slick, and footing is uneven.
Flat rock ledges along the edges provide places to sit, dry off, and take in the canyon scenery. While some visitors jump from the surrounding rocks, conditions can change, and submerged hazards may not be visible, so caution is advised.
Other swimming holes downstream offer excellent pools, often with slightly warmer water. A good, deep swimming area can be found at Lund Park Campground, while the most popular spot is Brice Creek Falls, known for its jumping opportunities.
Photography
You won't run out of things to shoot here. Dark green trees, mossy rocks, and that blue-green water all pop against each other. Try to get here in the morning. The light comes through the trees soft and even, and you'll get way better colors.
Bring a polarizing filter if you have one, since it cuts the glare off the water and lets you capture that true blue-green tone underneath.
Blue Hole Falls - How to Get There
If you travel southeast on Brice Creek Road, look for a roadside pullout on the right near Evergreen Falls.
From there, carefully cross the road and continue in the same direction for a short distance - about 200 feet. Watch closely for a faint, unsigned, and easy-to-miss trailhead just off the roadside.
The trail descends steeply and is narrow in places, dropping quickly toward the creek, so take your time and watch your footing as you make your way down to the water.
Camping & Lodging at Blue Hole Falls
There are 2 campgrounds along the Brice Creek near Blue Hole Falls; both on first-come, first-served basis.
Lund Park Campground, two miles away from the waterfall, has 10 campsites with picnic tables and fire pits.
Cedar Creek Campground, 0.25 miles away, offers 9 single and 1 double campsites with picnic tables and fire pits.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Cottage Grove
Blue Hole Falls | Facts
Open: Year-round (best access late spring through early fall)
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service
Amenities: Vault toilets and picnic sites at nearby campgrounds; no facilities at the falls
Activities: Hiking, photography, swimming
Distance from the parking: 0.15 miles
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 2,650 ft (808 m)
Blue Hole Falls is located:
- 24 miles southeast of Cottage Grove
- 45 miles southeast of Eugene
- 74 miles northeast of Roseburg.
Swimming spot rating: 5 out of 5
Body of Water: Creek
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Moderate
Depth: Deep
Beach: Bedrock and gravel
Water T° (summer): Cool
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Blue Hole Falls
From I-5 in Cottage Grove,
- Take Exit 174 toward Dorena Lake and travel east on Row River Road; the road becomes Shoreview Drive and continue for about 18.5 miles to the junction of Layng Creek Road (#17) and Brice Creek Road (#2470/22)
- Turn right onto Brice Creek Road and continue for 11.2 miles to pullout on the right neat Evergreen Falls.
GPS (Pullout near Evergreen Falls): N 43°37.990' W 122°36.308' | 43.6329, -122.605
GPS (Waterfall): N 43°38.005' W 122°36.233' | 43.6335, -122.6038