• Clearwater Falls are fed by ice-cold springs with a consistent flow year-round
• The best time to see the waterfall is winter and spring
Clearwater Falls is a small waterfall on Clearwater River, approximately 67 miles (108 km) east of Roseburg and 9 miles (14 km) east of Tokatee Lake.
Situated right off the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway, the waterfall is surrounded by picturesque green foliage and a lush, old-growth Douglas fir forest.
During winter, the forest flourishes with a diverse range of mosses thriving here. These mosses, along with closely related liverworts and hornworts, are called Bryophytes. They have a unique ability to dry out completely and then recover fully once they are moistened.
Ice-Cold Waterfall
The Clearwater River, a significant tributary of the North Umpqua River, originates from a group of ice-cold springs in a densely forested area about one mile northeast of the falls.
The river feeds the waterfall, which cascades 29 feet (9 m) down. The water flow rate remains relatively consistent throughout the season, averaging between 12 to 15 cubic feet per second. As a result, visitors can enjoy a full view of the waterfall during any month of the year.
In addition to admiring the waterfall, visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, nature viewing, and other outdoor adventures in the area.
Access to the falls is easy via a well-developed path parallel to the Clearwater River, providing a scenic stroll for visitors.
Clearwater Falls Hiking
Clearwater Falls Trail is an easy 0.5 miles (0.8 km) out-and-back hike. The trail is located close to the parking area, and the elevation gain on this route is minimal, making it suitable for hikers of all levels.
Clearwater Falls: Camping, Lodging, and Vacation Rentals
The Clearwater Falls Campground sits along the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway. It is a two sections campsite with one section sitting above the falls. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has 9 campsites, each with a picnic table and a fire pit.
There are also 4 picnic spots with picnic tables and fire pits for day visitors. There are 3 vault toilets at the campground, but no drinking water or garbage services on-site. The campsite fee is $10.
Lodging and vacation rentals is available in Roseburg and La Pine.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Roseburg
Clearwater Falls | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: Bureau Land of Management (BLM)
Location: Umpqua National Forest
Amenities: Toilet and picnic tables
Activities: Hiking, nature viewing, picnicking, and camping
Distance from the parking: 0.5 miles
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Free
Elevation: 4,210 ft (1,283 m)
Clearwater Falls is located:
- 72 miles east of Roseburg
- 76 mile southwest of La Pine
- 140 miles southeast of Eugene.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Clearwater Falls Campground
From Roseburg,
- Take OR-138 E/NE Diamond Lake Boulevard for 69.3 miles
- Turn right toward the campground.