About McDowell Creek Falls
McDowell creek falls trail is located within McDowell creek falls county park in Linn County, Oregon. The hike is a casual stroll, for the most part, and is open year-round for visitors. In general, the hike is beginner-level in difficulty but there are a set of stairs that may be an obstacle for those with knee issues. The stair ascends parallel to the first set of falls and can be bypassed if needed. Additionally, the trail has 3 waterfalls that are definitely worth the short 3-mile loop. Dogs are welcome on this one.
McDowell Creek Falls – Trail Description
This is a great hike for beginners, kids, and people from out-of-town who maybe don’t hike as much but want to see some nature. It’s low effort and high payoff. The vistas and waterfalls are beautiful. You can see some stunning scenery even just driving by the trail to the Royal Terrace Falls and you can park very close to Majestic Falls also. There are a few parking lots to stop at as well as picnic areas that have benches. The first parking area is on the right as you drive westward on McDowell Creek Road.
McDowell Creek Falls Trail Map
What’s cool about McDowell Creek Falls?
This trail is one of the best we’ve visited within an hour of Salem or Eugene, Oregon. The views are incredible and you can get as close as you would like to the falls. Like all hikes, it’s busier mid-day, so if you want less people around or a more private atmosphere or pictures I’d keep that in mind. This is a popular place for a reason though and certainly a trail I’d come back to if I wanted a pretty but less demanding hike.
Trail Directions
If you park near the first parking lot on the right, near Royal Falls, your trailhead will take you to Royal falls. You will come to a fork with a sign, on the left is the wooden bridge and Royal falls, and on the right is the staircase that ascends to the top– where the loop continues.
If you take the stairs then you will come to another fork after some elevation. Don’t take the left turn at the fork! This takes you back to the road.
If you take the right that keeps you on the loop going toward Majestic falls. This isn’t a fatal error, you can cut across the road and get back on the trail but you will cut out a good portion and need to go there-and-back to end at your car. If you make the mistake and go left, then follow the trail until the road. Then, cross the road and go left til you see the trail-it’s less than 50 feet. This will lead you to a smaller waterfall and Majestic Falls in about a mile. You can turn around after you hit majestic falls or keep going if you want the extra stretch.
Want to see more?
We have put together our trail video footage so you have a POV perspective and a better sense of what to expect. You can find it on our Youtube Channel or by watching below to see what not to do 🙂
@oregontailsadventures Hiking be like that sometime 🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️#pnw #hiketok #fyp #adventure ♬ If I Die Dumb (A Parody of If I Die Young) – Maria T Comedy
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