Abiqua Falls Trailhead — Attraction in Silverton

Absolutely one of the most amazing waterfalls I've ever seen... it's beautiful. I just had to dive in and take a swim in the falls while I was there.... Although bathing in a bathtub full of ice cubes would've been much warmer... but it wakes you up for the hike back up. THERE ARE 2 MAJOR TRAILS THAT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE FALLS The easy trailhead which would be good for anyone 8yrs old and up is on the left side of the road about 40 yards from the white closed gate. The other trailhead is about to 30 yards past the white closed gate on the left as well. THIS TRAIL PAST THE GATE IS FOR FIT AND EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS ONLY (There is no hiking on this trail. It is basically a vertical descend 150ft down to the river below. Theres a few ropes to use but they're old and I wouldn't trust someone elses equipment or their knot tying abilities. Bring your own ropes/climbing gear if you want to have some fun on your way down to the river. Once you get to the river, you're still alive and in 1 piece. Turn to your left and follow the river to the falls. It takes about an hour to descend safely but then take the other trail (Easy Trail) back up to the road. After you make the 150ft descend and turn left to follow the river back to see the falls, you will go about 100 yards and you'll see the trailhead for the easy trail back up to the road on your lefthand side. So It took me about an hour to fully descend to the river but less than 15mins to get back up to the road using the (Easy Trail). It's totally worth the climb or hike though!! The views and beauty are absolutely breath taking. If you don't have a 4x4 truck or SUV with decent ground clearance of at least 12", park in the area at of the gravel road and don't take the road to the bottom where the white closed gate is. For those of you who have 4WD with good ground clearance.... Well boys, SIT BACK, STRAP IN & ENJOY THE RIDE! I had a blast just trying to get down to the trailhead by the white closed gate. This is a must see adventure for a day excursion. Pack light and REMEMBER... Whatever YOU pack in, YOU and only YOU will pack out. Please don't litter or leave trash. Leave everything in the same condition as it was when you found. Above all else though... Be Safe & Have...

Heads up. Went this weekend with my 11yo. Not far into the hike we reached the spot where you start using the rope to descend. This is where it went south. Not far into this I felt sharp stings and quickly realized we were now in a huge swarm of wasps. My daughter panicked, started screaming and flailing. All I could do is try to calm my daughter and get her to move quickly forward as i was being stung. Once we were clear and i removed the lingering wasps I hollered up to a couple with a dog to look out but it was too late. Thankfully they backed out quickly. We took a break by the creek as she no longer wanted to move forward and prepared to go back through the wasps uphill. Tied her hair up, pulled hoodie strings tight to her face, tucked her pants into socks and her hoodie into her pants. Told her DO NOT STOP, PANIC, OR FLAIL at the wasps and just keep moving. We made it through with this time without issue. Proud of her. But if you are allergic maybe pass on this one. And If you do run into them try not to panic. I know it's scary with so many of them all over you. Disappointed we didn't see the falls but hey we also saw the Marquam Alpaca Farm....

Directions are tricky, and we argued all the way as each of our phone's map apps had different directions. Crooked Finger Rd. in Scotts Mill is the correct approach. Follow the road until it turns to gravel, then drive until you see the ATV sign and a smaller gravel road to the right. That road narrows to one lane and becomes quite rocky. If you don't have good tires, don't attempt it. Park at the very bottom of the road by the gate. Don't walk around the gate to continue down the road...it leads to houses! The trailhead is about 50 feet before the gate on the left side of the rocky road you just drove down (driver's left, so parking at the gate and walking back would put it on your right). The trail is short but steep and very slippery with loose rocks, pebbles and dirt. Holding onto the ropes and tree roots is helpful. It's a fun scramble. Once at the bottom, turn left and follow the creek to the falls, just a short distance away. And there it is! One of the people in our party swam in the water and found it clean and cold, but bearable in August. Use the ropes on the way up and eat blackberries at the top to...