Diamond Creek Waterfall is a breathtaking cascade located in the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. The waterfall is made up of two tiers that flow over a series of basalt rocks and plunge into an emerald-green pool below. The upper tier drops about 40 feet, while the lower tier falls nearly 70 feet.
Details about Diamond Creek Falls
Visitors can explore the area around Diamond Creek Waterfall by taking one of several short trails near its base or continuing on to nearby Opal Creek Wilderness Area for more stunning views and adventures. The hike to Diamond Creek Waterfall begins at Little North Santiam Trailhead off Highway 22, east of Salem, Oregon. From here it’s about 1 mile (1.6 km) to reach the waterfall with an elevation gain of only 200 feet (61 m). Along the trail you’ll pass through mossy forest filled with Douglas fir, western hemlock, cedar trees and ferns as well as wildflowers like trilliums and columbines during spring months.
Once you arrive at Diamond Creek Waterfall you’ll be rewarded with incredible views from both tiers as they pour down over rock formations that often create rainbows when sunlight hits them just right! You can also take time to relax beside the tranquil swimming hole beneath or continue your journey further upstream where there are additional cascades.
Hiking Trails near Diamond Creek Falls
One popular trail is the McKenzie River Trail, which follows 26 miles along the McKenzie River from Clear Lake to Hendricks Bridge. Hikers will pass through miles of wilderness filled with Douglas fir trees as well as lava flows that date back 17 million years ago. Along this trail there are several points of interest such as Tamolitch Blue Pool, Sahalie Falls, and Koosah Falls.
Another great hike is the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This 2,650 mile long trail passes through Willamette National Forest at its northernmost point near Big Lake Youth Camp where hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Jefferson Wilderness Area and numerous other peaks in the Cascades range. The PCT also crosses Timberline Lodge on its way southward towards California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range before heading east into Washington State’s North Cascades region.
There are many short day hikes available throughout Willamette National Forest near Diamond Creek Falls including trails such as Alpine Loop Trail near Santiam Pass or Lookout Mountain Trail just outside Oakridge which offer spectacular vistas without too much physical exertion required.
Directions to Diamond Creek Falls
Address: Crescent, OR 97733
From Bend: Map
1) Start by driving south on Highway 58 towards Oakridge, Oregon.
2) After about 17 miles, take the Diamond Creek Road exit and turn right onto the road.
3) Continue on this road for 5 miles until you reach an intersection with FR 18 (also known as Westfir-Oakridge Hwy). Turn left here and continue straight ahead for another 4 miles until you reach a junction with NF-2250/FR 1840.
4) Turn right at this junction onto NF-2250/FR 1840 and drive for 2 more miles until you see a sign pointing to Diamond Creek Falls Trailhead on your left side. This will be your parking area where you can leave your car before beginning your hike to the waterfall.
5) From the trailhead, follow the signs along the path which will lead you upriver to Diamond Creek Falls after about 1 mile of walking through lush forests filled with old growth trees and cascading streams.
Bald River Falls