About 90 minutes south of Portland, Oregon, Abiqua Falls is a 92-foot waterfall that drops over a half-circle of columnar basalt cliffs into a deep plunge pool. It’s on Abiqua Creek (a tributary of the Pudding River) in Marion County, just east of Scotts Mills.
Update (May 2026): Abiqua Falls is currently owned by The Abbey Foundation of Oregon (the nonprofit behind Mount Angel Abbey), which listed the property for sale on Redfin in February 2026. In March 2026, the Oregon Legislature approved $2.1 million under Senate Bill 5701 to buy the falls and 160 adjacent acres of timberland from Weyerhaeuser, with the goal of preserving public access. The purchase is pending Oregon Parks and Recreation Department due diligence (environmental and archaeological reviews). For now, the falls are still accessible. See the OPB report and Mount Angel Abbey statement for the latest.
Below is what to expect on the drive in, what the hike down is actually like, and a gallery of photos from my visit.
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The Drive to the Trailhead
The drive in is the part most people underestimate. The route runs about 2 miles down a rough dirt road through Crooked Finger NE / Abiqua Road. If you follow Google Maps directions to the trailhead, you’ll first arrive at a large dirt parking area that just about any car can reach. From there you can either keep driving down the rougher section to the trailhead at the bottom, or park up top and walk the 2 miles down (and back up at the end of the day).
The rugged section was manageable in my Subaru Outback, but if you don’t have high clearance or AWD I’d park up top and walk. There are 3 to 4 deep dips in the road that you have to crawl through, and there are a few pullouts along the way if you start the drive and decide to bail.
Watch for hikers walking up or down the road too — there isn’t much room to pass.
That covers the drive in. Now for the hike itself.
Hiking to Abiqua Falls
AllTrails rates the trail as moderate and the Oregon Hikers Field Guide lists about 180 feet of elevation gain. In practice, the start is a short, very steep descent into the canyon (rope-assisted in places), so it feels harder than the numbers suggest. Skip it after rain — the slope turns into mud and the Oregon Hikers guide notes there have been falls and injuries here, including a fatality in 2017.
The trail itself is about 0.8 miles round-trip, but with time spent exploring around the falls my GPS read closer to 1.3 miles total. If you parked at the upper lot, add the 2 miles down and 2 miles back up 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
Arriving at Abiqua Falls makes the climb back out feel worth it. The 92-foot waterfall drops over a half-circle of columnar basalt — the same geological formation that runs through nearby Silver Falls State Park — into a wide plunge pool framed by moss and ferns.
There are plenty of large rocks to set up a tripod on, and the basalt amphitheater gives you a lot of compositional options. The pool also catches reflected light from the cliff face, which makes for a nice second exposure if you’re bracketing.
People were swimming in the plunge pool when I visited. The water is cold year-round and the pool is deep at the base of the falls, so be careful if you swim.
Abiqua Falls Photos
Here are more photos from my visit to Abiqua Falls.
Abiqua Falls Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Abiqua Falls located?
Abiqua Falls is in Marion County, Oregon, in the Santiam State Forest area east of Scotts Mills. The falls themselves and the immediate canyon are on private land owned by The Abbey Foundation of Oregon (the Mount Angel Abbey nonprofit). The surrounding forest is owned by Longview Timberlands and Weyerhaeuser.
How tall is Abiqua Falls?
Abiqua Falls drops about 92 feet over a columnar basalt cliff into a deep plunge pool.
How do I get to Abiqua Falls?
The trailhead is at the end of Crooked Finger NE / Abiqua Road, a rough 2-mile dirt road. A high-clearance or AWD vehicle is recommended for the lower section, otherwise park at the upper dirt lot and walk down. From the trailhead, the hike to the falls is about 0.8 miles round-trip.
Is Abiqua Falls still open to the public?
Yes. The Abbey Foundation listed the property for sale in February 2026, and in March 2026 the Oregon Legislature approved $2.1 million to buy the falls and surrounding land. Public access is being maintained while Oregon Parks and Recreation completes its due diligence on the purchase. Long-term access depends on the deal closing.
Is the trail to Abiqua Falls difficult?
It’s short but the descent is steep, with rope-assisted sections and exposed roots. The Oregon Hikers Field Guide rates it moderate but explicitly warns that the slope is treacherous in wet conditions and there have been injuries — including a fatality in 2017. Wear shoes with grip and skip it after heavy rain.
When is the best time to visit Abiqua Falls?
Late spring through early fall (May through October) is the most reliable window. The road is easier to drive when it’s dry and the descent into the canyon is much safer without mud. Winter and early spring see the heaviest flow but the road and trail are often impassable.
Can I swim at Abiqua Falls?
Yes, people swim in the plunge pool at the base of the falls. The water is cold year-round and the pool is deep, so use the same caution you’d use at any unsupervised swimming hole.
Is there camping at Abiqua Falls?
No, camping isn’t allowed at the falls or on the surrounding private timberland. The closest established campground is at Silver Falls State Park, about 30 minutes away.
Are dogs allowed at Abiqua Falls?
Dogs are allowed on the trail on leash, but I wouldn’t recommend bringing one. The steep rope-assisted descent isn’t dog-friendly and the rocky creek section near the falls has a lot of slick surfaces.
Are there facilities at Abiqua Falls?
No restrooms, no trash cans, no water. Pack everything in and pack everything out — it matters even more on private land.
Is Abiqua Falls wheelchair accessible?
No. The descent into the canyon is steep and rough, and the trail along the creek requires climbing over and around boulders and downed trees.
Is there an entrance fee?
No fee currently. If the state purchase finalizes and the property becomes part of the Oregon park system, that could change.
That’s the rundown on Abiqua Falls. If you have a question I didn’t answer here, leave it in the comments and I’ll do my best to help. For more Oregon spots, my Oregon photography locations guide has the full list.
