About 90 minutes south of Portland, Oregon is Abiqua Falls which is a stunning waterfall. The waterfall features a unique geological formation that is truly a sight to be seen.
In this post I’ll be going over the drive and hike to Abiqua Falls.
Table of contents
The Drive to the Trailhead
One important thing to know before visiting Abiqua Falls is the drive to the trailhead is a 2 mile rocky road. If you follow directions to the trailhead via Google Maps you’ll be taken to a large dirt parking lot that just about any car can get to. From the dirt parking lot you can choose to drive down the more rugged road to go right to the trailhead or make the 2 mile walk downhill to the trailhead.
The more rugged area to the trailhead wasn’t too bad, especially in my Subaru outback. If you don’t have high clearance or AWD/4WD I would recommend just staying at the parking lot on top of the hill and walking down. There are 3-4 large dips in the road you have to traverse on the way down. I will note there are a few pull offs on this rugged part of the road in case you don’t think you can make it more and want to park.
Just be careful on the drive on the rugged section since you’re likely to see people walking up/down the road.
Now that I’ve given some background on the drive to the trailhead let’s dive into the hike!
Hiking to Abiqua Falls
Alltrails notes the Abiqua Falls as moderate but I would consider it hard. The 250 feet of elevation gain is done via a pretty steep grade at the start of the hike which I wouldn’t recommend attempting if it’s been raining since mud would make it difficult to traverse down.
The hike is also noted as 0.7 miles on Alltrails but from my visit after walking around the falls a bit it was a total of 1.3 miles. Just keep this in mind, especially if you don’t have a car that can go down to the trailhead you’ll add on 4+ miles to walk out & back on the road.
Once you’re down the rope section the trail takes you along a creek which is fairly flat. You will have to duck and traverse around a few downed trees but it was a bit easier once you’re at the creek.
Abiqua Falls
Of course arriving at Abiqua Falls makes the entire trip worth it. The beautiful waterfall with stunning rock formations on the sides is quite the sight.
There are plenty of large rocks to relax on and unique angles you can photograph the falls from.
People were also swimming in the water on our visit. Overall just a relaxing place especially after the journey down.
Abiqua Falls Photos
Here are more pictures from my trip to Abiqua Falls in Oregon.
Abiqua Falls Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Abiqua Falls located?
Abiqua Falls is located in the state of Oregon, specifically in the Mount Hood National Forest, near the town of Scotts Mills.
How do I get to Abiqua Falls?
The trailhead to Abiqua Falls is located on Abiqua Road, which is a rough and rocky road. As mentioned in the post a high-clearance vehicle is recommended to get to the trailhead. From there, it’s about a 0.8-mile hike to the falls.
Is the trail to Abiqua Falls difficult?
Yes, the trail to Abiqua Falls is considered difficult, with steep and rocky terrain. Proper hiking shoes and caution are highly recommended. Honestly I was shocked by how steep the grade was during my visit.
Is Abiqua Falls open year-round?
Yes, Abiqua Falls is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is warmer and drier.
Can I swim in Abiqua Falls?
Yes, you can swim in Abiqua Falls, but be aware that the water can be cold, and the pool at the base of the falls is deep.
Is camping allowed at Abiqua Falls?
No, camping is not allowed at Abiqua Falls or in the surrounding area. The nearest campgrounds are located in the Mount Hood National Forest.
Are dogs allowed on the trail to Abiqua Falls?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail to Abiqua Falls, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. I wouldn’t recommend bringing your dog on this trail personally due to the steep portion.
Are there any facilities at Abiqua Falls?
No, there are no facilities at Abiqua Falls, so be sure to bring food, water, and any other supplies you may need.
Is Abiqua Falls wheelchair accessible?
No, Abiqua Falls is not wheelchair accessible due to the difficult terrain of the trail.
Is there an admission fee to visit Abiqua Falls?
No, there is no admission fee to visit Abiqua Falls.
In conclusion, Abiqua Falls in Oregon is a hidden gem that’s well worth the trek. Its stunning beauty and tranquility make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. If you have any questions about visiting Abiqua Falls just let me know in the comments below.
