Pup Creek Falls Trail Is The Most Underrated Waterfall Trail In Oregon

It’s no secret that Oregon is full of wondrous waterfalls; The Beaver State’s waterfalls are some of the most resplendent natural wonders in the country, found on some of the most incredible hikes you can ever take. But if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, you need to experience Pup Creek Falls. The most underrated waterfall trail in Oregon, Pup Creek Falls Trail is a delightful day hike sure to satisfy your wanderlust.

**Please note: many areas around Pup Creek Falls, including the main road to get there, are closed through the beginning of May. Check trail updates here.

Mount Hood National Forest is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, with over four million visitors each year.

Strekoza2/iStock via Getty Images Plus But it spans over a million acres; so, in spite of its popularity, this park is full of hidden treasures like Pup Creek Falls.

Within Mount Hood National Forest, the Clackamas River Trail #715 is a popular, 14-mile loop.

James R Wilson/AllTrails And located along the Clackamas River Trail, is the access point for quite possibly the most underrated waterfall trail in Oregon: Pup Creek Falls Trail.

Unlike the Clackamas River Trail, Pup Creek Falls Trail is an 8.5-mile trek that’s generally not crowded, and much more accessible.

Diana Djuric/AllTrails This trail is also breathtakingly beautiful, as it winds through some seriously spectacular old-growth forests.

The trail also follows the one of the most resplendent rivers in the state, the Clackamas River.

thinair28/E+ Collection via Getty Images If you have time to spare, the “Narrows” portion of the Clackamas is absolutely sublime, and worth exploring. This stretch of the aquamarine river is designated as a federal wild and scenic river, and makes the trek all the more incredible.

To access the waterfall, you’ll need to take a small, quarter-mile detour, which is clearly marked along the trail – and absolutely worth the added mileage.

Chanpone Sinlapasai/AllTrails In fact, Pup Creek Falls is one of the few notable waterfalls in the Clackamas River region that is actually accessible by trail.

Towering at 240 feet high, this waterfall is a sight to behold.

Brandon Mann/500Px Plus Collection via Getty Images Pup Creek Falls truly is one of the most splendid waterfalls in Oregon.

Many hikers report being gobsmacked by just how grandiose this waterfall is in person.

Will M/AllTrails

Because pictures just don’t do it justice.

John Phillips/AllTrails

There’s a German word, fernweh, that’s most closely defined as wanderlust. But fernweh is deeper than simply a desire to travel; it’s more related to experiences in nature.

Kelsey Baker/AllTrails And Pup Creek Falls is truly a place you must experience in person.

Pup Creek Falls Trail is easily the most underrated waterfall trail in Oregon — and it’s just waiting to be explored. Plan your trip to this beautiful waterfall by visiting its page on the Mt. Hood National Forest website.

Strekoza2/iStock via Getty Images Plus

But it spans over a million acres; so, in spite of its popularity, this park is full of hidden treasures like Pup Creek Falls.

James R Wilson/AllTrails

And located along the Clackamas River Trail, is the access point for quite possibly the most underrated waterfall trail in Oregon: Pup Creek Falls Trail.

Diana Djuric/AllTrails

This trail is also breathtakingly beautiful, as it winds through some seriously spectacular old-growth forests.

thinair28/E+ Collection via Getty Images

If you have time to spare, the “Narrows” portion of the Clackamas is absolutely sublime, and worth exploring. This stretch of the aquamarine river is designated as a federal wild and scenic river, and makes the trek all the more incredible.

Chanpone Sinlapasai/AllTrails

In fact, Pup Creek Falls is one of the few notable waterfalls in the Clackamas River region that is actually accessible by trail.

Brandon Mann/500Px Plus Collection via Getty Images

Pup Creek Falls truly is one of the most splendid waterfalls in Oregon.

Will M/AllTrails

John Phillips/AllTrails

Kelsey Baker/AllTrails

And Pup Creek Falls is truly a place you must experience in person.

And for more secret waterfalls in The Beaver State, be sure to check out these hidden wonders — before the word gets out!

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Address: Pup Creek Waterfall, Estacada, OR 97023, USA