The Call of the Falls
The Waterfalls Highway trip can be done in a long day, we have done it several times. If you have time spend a couple days enjoying the waterfall and all the activities that surround the natural beauty of this area. Several places to stay throughout this journey if so so desire, are listed. We have stayed at the more common places such as; Union Creek Resort, Diamond Lake Resort and Steamboat Inn (a true luxurious place to stay). You can make this trip starting from the Rosenberg area or you can start it in the other direction from the Gold Hill area. Maps, pictures and direction to the waterfalls are listed throughout and a downloadable PDF with all the information.
Nestled in the wild and wondrous heart of the Umpqua National Forest, Oregon’s Highway 138 is more than just a scenic byway — it’s a pilgrimage of waterfalls, old-growth forests, and quiet mountain magic. Known affectionately as the “Waterfall Highway,” this 80-mile stretch from Roseburg to Diamond Lake is a haven for wanderers, waterfall chasers, and those looking to breathe in the kind of fresh pine air that stays with you long after you leave.
Susan Creek Falls – Where the Journey Begins
Our journey begins at Susan Creek Falls, just 12 miles east of Glide. A short, gentle trail winds through a fern-covered understory beneath towering Douglas firs. The falls themselves tumble gracefully over a basalt cliff, inviting travelers to pause and soak in the serenity. I am sorry to report but both Susan Creek Falls and Fall Creek Falls were burnt during a fire a few years back but they are both usable and still a pretty trip to take.
Nearby, Steamboat Inn makes a perfect base camp. Perched above the North Umpqua River, it offers cozy lodge rooms, private cabins, and an exceptional on-site restaurant known for wild-foraged meals. Evenings here are filled with the hush of river water and the occasional call of a great horned owl.
The Falls Keep Coming
Back on the highway, the road continues to wind through canyon walls draped in moss. A string of waterfalls draws you onward:
- Fall Creek Falls: A hidden gem, reached by a short but steeper trail. Its triple-tiered cascade is especially beautiful after rain.
- Toketee Falls: Perhaps the most iconic. A short, well-traveled trail leads to a viewing platform of the two-tiered falls plunging over columnar basalt — a must-see.
- Watson Falls: Towering at nearly 300 feet, it’s the tallest on the highway and accessible via a short hike through lush greenery.
You might choose to camp under the stars at Toketee Lake Campground or Lemolo Lake (near Diamond Lake), both offering lakeside views and rustic comfort. Fishing, kayaking, and stargazing come naturally here. Information on Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday
Into the Cascade Shadow – Clearwater and Whitehorse Falls
Farther east, Clearwater Falls crashes with surprising force despite its modest height. Right beside the highway, it’s a perfect picnic spot or early morning coffee stop. Just minutes away, Whitehorse Falls offers another easy access viewpoint — small but poetic, framed by moss-covered stones.
Diamond Dreams and Union Creek Nights
Eventually, Highway 138 leads you to Diamond Lake, resting at the base of Mount Bailey with a view of majestic Mount Thielsen rising like a wizard’s hat in the distance. Whether you’re staying at Diamond Lake Resort, renting a cabin, or pitching a tent at Diamond Lake Campground, this is a place to linger.
From here, take a short detour south toward Union Creek, near Crater Lake’s northwest entrance. The Union Creek Resort offers vintage cabins from the 1920s and a charming general store. Just across the street, Beckie’s Café serves homemade pies that have become a legend in themselves.
Note – the day trip post about Union Creek: Scenic Getaway: A Day Trip to Union Creek and the Natural Bridge
The Journey’s Echo
As you head back down or onward toward Crater Lake or beyond, the waterfalls echo behind you, not just in sound, but in memory. Each trail, each quiet forest bend, and each overlook leaves an imprint. Along Oregon’s Waterfall Highway, you don’t just visit nature you become a part of it, even if only for a few days.
And long after, when the world grows loud again, you’ll remember the way the mist rose off Clearwater Falls in the morning sun or how Susan Creek whispered like a secret through the leaves.
End
Map Note: Travelers are encouraged to pick up a North Umpqua Trail and waterfall map from the Roseburg ranger station or visitor center before setting out.
Photos of some of the waterfalls. Downloadable PDF for milepost markers for location of waterfalls is after the photo’s.
1. Route Overview
- Start: Roseburg (I‑5 exit)
- End: Diamond Lake & Union Creek (near Crater Lake North Entrance)
- Distance: ~80 miles along Highway 138, plus local side roads to campgrounds and falls
(Tip: Download this map and the waterfall coordinates for offline use — cell service is spotty.)
2. Key Waterfalls by Milepost (Roseburg → East)
| Milepost | Waterfall | Trail & Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 28 mi | Susan Creek Falls | ¾ mile roundtrip, easy (Burnt from Fire but still a nice hike) |
| 32 mi | Fall Creek Falls | ~1 mile, moderate‑difficult; 3–4 drops (Burnt from fire but nice) |
| ~38 mi | Steamboat Falls | Easy access from campground road |
| 58 mi | Toketee Falls | 0.8 mile, moderate with stairs; twin-tiered, ~120 ft |
| 60.5 mi | Watson Falls | 0.8 mile, easy; 272 ft plunge |
| ~65.9 mi | Whitehorse Falls | Very easy, 14 ft punch-bowl |
| 69.5 mi | Clearwater Falls | Short, easy walk—30 ft tiered cascade |
3. Camping & Lodging Stops
Steamboat Campground/Inns
- Near Susan Creek Falls, right off the North Umpqua River.
- Closest lodging: Steamboat Inn – cabins and riverside rooms.
Toketee & Lemolo Lakes
- Toketee Lake Campground – classic forest lakeside.
- Lemolo Lake – good for longer stays (fishing, kayaking). Near Diamond Lake.
Diamond Lake Resort & Campground
- Nestled beside Diamond Lake, base of Mt. Thielsen.
- Full amenities: cabins, tent/RV sites, café.
Union Creek Resort
Historic cabins (c.1920s), general store, and Beckie’s legendary pies.
Near Crater Lake’s northwest entrance.
Maps:
