• Elk Creek Falls is an easily accessible waterfall at the South Fork Coquille River
• Big Tree Park contains the world's largest Port-Orford cedar tree
Both Elk Creek Falls and Big Tree Park Trails start from the trailhead at Rogue-Coquille Scenic Byway aka Forest Road 33. It runs along the South Fork of the Coquille River, 40 miles away from Port Orford. This is a fantastic simple hike through the beautiful coastal forest.
The trail is open year-round and can be enjoyed during any season! At the trailhead go to the fork. From this point, you can either follow the creek on the left for the waterfall or take the trail on the right to see the Big Tree.
Elk Creek Falls
Elk Creek Falls Trail is an easy 0.2-mile out-and-back path with an elevation gain of just 30 feet. The nature trail along Elk Creek passes a picnic table on the bank of the creek. The endpoint of the route is the grotto-like observation site of the picturesque Elk Creek Falls. A wooden beach provides an opportunity to relax while enjoying scenic coastal nature and listening to the waterfall cascading off the cliff.
Elk Creek Falls is the only easily accessible waterfall among a dozen falls in the Elk Creek basin. The fall itself consists of 4 tiers about 200 feet tall in total with the tallest drop being 83 feet. Only the tallest drop is visible from the viewpoint, all other tiers are obstructed in some way by the landscape elements.
Big Tree Trail
The Big Tree Trail intersects the waterfall trail about halfway. This is a moderate 2.2-mile out-and-back trail with 800 feet of elevation gain. The Big Tree Park is the site of the world's largest Port Orford cedar tree standing 220 feet tall and over 12 feet thick. In addition to this famous "Big Tree", the park is home to many other species including giant Douglas fir, Western hemlock, Oregon Myrtlewood, and bigleaf maple.
Elk Creek Falls & Big Tree Park | General Description
Open: Year-round
Managed: US Forest Service
Location: Southern Oregon Coast
Amenities: Picnic sites
Distance from the parking: Elk Creek Falls - 0.1 miles, Big Tree Park - 1.1 miles
Road access: Any vehicle
Fees: None
Popularity: Low
Trailhead is located:
- 58 miles northeast of Gold Beach
- 80 miles southwest of Roseburg
- 150 miles southwest of Eugene.
From Gold Beach,
- Travel on Jerry Flat Road ( County Road 595) for about 10 miles northeast to Agness Road
- Continue 47.5 miles on Agness Road (Forest Road 33) to the destination between mileposts 57 and 58.
GPS: N 42°48.978' W 124°00.784' | 42.816300, -124.013067
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