Fern Falls Trail

Hiking in Oregon

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.2 miles / 5.2 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: The trail winds along the south bank of the North Umpqua River trail through old-growth forests of Douglas-fir, hemlock, and sugar pine, with trees often over six feet in diameter.

Tips: To get here take Interstate I-5 to Roseburg exit 124 and follow Hwy 138 for 22 miles. Swiftwater Recreation Area will be on your right hand side

On rainy days, or if it has been raining recently, be prepared for muddy sections of the trail.

Be aware that there is a lot of poison oak, so don't wander off the trail.

Susan Creek Falls & Fall Creek Falls are two other waterfalls that are nearby and can be added for a full day of waterfall hiking.
There are restrooms in their parking areas.

Points of Interest

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Fern Falls Trailhead

The trailhead to Fern Falls is also the trail head to the entire 79 mile North Umpqua River Trail. You will find it at the Swiftwater Recreation Area.

The first section of the North Umpqua River Trail is called the Tioga Segment and goes for nearly 16 miles.

The first quarter-mile of the trail is accessible to persons with disabilities and provides easy access to Deadline Falls.

Tioga Segment of North Umpqua Trail Photo

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Deadline Falls

Deadline Falls is a a Watchable Wildlife Site. Between the months of May and October, anadromous (sea-run) salmon and steelhead can be seen jumping the falls on their journey from the ocean to their spawning grounds.

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Fern Falls

Standing on the footbridge will give you a good view of Fern Creek Falls on one side and the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River on the other.

You could continue on this trail a few miles further to Bob Butte, or turn around to return to your car to see the other two suggested hikes in this guide.