• Steamboat Falls is a block-type waterfall in the Umpqua National Forest
• This is a great summer destination offering sunbathing and swimming
Powerful during wet seasons of the year and still impressive in the summer, Steamboat Falls is a block-type waterfall that gradually cascades through the stone slabs into a deep canyon with emerald-green water.
Located in the Umpqua National Forest, Steamboat Falls is an excellent destination for hiking, mountain biking, boating, camping, summer swimming, and wildlife watching. Between May and July, another attraction here is watching steelhead trout jump to the top of the 25-foot waterfall.
A fish ladder is adjusted to the waterfall and partially drained the Steamboat Creek. This creek and all its tributaries are closed for all fishing because these watersheds are providing the main spawning habitats for the North Umpqua River steelhead run.
The flat surface of the rock outcroppings at the top of the waterfall can be used for sunbathing. Filled with creek water, pockets in the rock slabs are good for dipping and swimming. You can also enjoy swimming downstream of the waterfall.
Steamboat Falls Campground is located on the south bank of the Steamboat Creek, on the other side of Steamboat Road near the waterfall.
Caution
Cliff jumping and slippery rocks are associated with risks, please use caution and make safe decisions;
It is dangerous to cross the creek at the top edge of the waterfall, a drop can be life-threatening;
Watch out for poison oak along the trails and the campground fence.
Video
Steamboat Falls | General Description
Open: Year-round
Managed by: US Forest Service
Location: Umpqua National Forest
Services: Vault toilet and garbage disposal at the campground, no water
Activities: Swimming, cliff jumping, boating, hiking, nature viewing, and photography
Distance from the trailhead: 100 feet
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Free
Popularity: Moderate
Restrictions: No fishing, no mining
Accommodations: Camping on first-come, first-served basis
Elevation (waterfall): 1,480 ft (451 m)
Steamboat Falls is located:
- 45 miles east of Roseburg
- 78 miles southeast of Eugene
- 131 miles north of Medford
- 143 miles southwest of Bend.
Waterfall Facts
Total height: 25 ft (8 m)
Watercourse: Steamboat Creek
Number of drops: One
Primary form: Block
Seasonality: 12 months
Characteristics
Swimming hole rating: 3 out of 5
Body of Water: Creek
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light to moderate
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Cliffs, rock slabs
Water T° (summer): Cold (66°F in August)
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Day-Use Site
From Roseburg,
- Take OR-138 East (Diamond Lake Boulevard) and drive about 39 miles to Steamboat Creek Road (Forest Service Road 38)
- Turn left onto Steamboat Creek Road and continue 6.2 miles to a turnout near the falls.
Directions to the Campground
From Roseburg,
- Take OR-138 East (Diamond Lake Boulevard) and drive about 39 miles to Steamboat Creek Road (Forest Service Road 38)
- Turn left onto Steamboat Creek Road and continue 5.6 miles to Forest Road 3810 (bridge)
- Turn right, cross the bridge, stay to the left, and drive 0.7 miles to Steamboat Falls Campground.