• Little Falls is a beautiful small waterfall in the Umpqua National Forest
• A popular summer destination with swimming and cliff jumping opportunities
Little Falls on Steamboat Creek is a beautiful small waterfall within the boundaries of the Umpqua National Forest, 40 miles east of Roseburg. This is one of the many favorite summer destinations on Steamboat and Canton Creeks - a tributary of the North Umpqua River. Little Falls is located 0.7 miles upstream of Canton Creek Campground and 5 miles downstream of Steamboat Falls.
In summer, when the water level is low, the creek is breaking into a few segments and pours a short distance over the edge of a basalt cliff into a deep dark-green hole.
The rock cliffs and huge boulders are great platforms for sunbathing and cliff jumping. The rocks and cliffs are easily climbed. The relatively warm water of the creek in summer is comfortable for dipping. There are small and shallow pools with rapids above the waterfall. The deep stretch of the creek below the falls is great for longer swimming but beware of jumpers.
Due to the Steamboat Creek is a very important steelhead spawning grounds, fishing is not allowed.
A limited unpaved parking area is located along the road.
Cautions: Cliff jumping and slippery rocks are associated with risks, please use caution and make safe decisions.
Little Falls | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: US Forest Service
Location: Umpqua National Forest
Amenities: None
Activities: Swimming, cliff jumping, hiking, nature viewing, and photography
Distance from the trailhead: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Free
Popularity: Low to moderate
Restrictions: No fishing, no mining
Accommodations: Steamboat Falls Campground - 5 miles west, Canton Creek Campground - 1 mile west
Elevation (waterfall): 1,200 ft (366 m)
Little Falls is located:
- 40 miles east of Roseburg
- 107 miles southeast of Eugene
- 137 miles north of Medford
- 158 miles southwest of Bend.
Waterfall Facts
Total height: 8 ft (2.4 m)
Watercourse: Steamboat Creek
Number of drops: Two
Primary form: Segmented Plunges
Seasonality: 12 months
Characteristics
Swimming hole rating: 4 out of 5
Body of Water: Creek
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light to moderate
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Cliffs, river boulders
Water T° (summer): Cool to warm (68°F in August)
Video
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Little Falls
From Roseburg,
- Take OR-138 East (Diamond Lake Boulevard) and go about 38.7 miles to Steamboat Creek Road (Forest Service Road 38)
- Turn left onto Steamboat Creek Road and continue 1.3 miles to a turnout near the falls.