Clearwater Falls before the sun hits the falls.
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Clearwater Falls

4.9
·150 reviews·, United States

A hidden gem with lush moss-covered logs and crystal-clear water, offering a tranquil and picturesque waterfall experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene nature

CrowdLow
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Clearwater Falls before the sun hits the falls.

Clearwater Falls

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene nature

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden gem with lush moss-covered logs and crystal-clear water, offering a tranquil and picturesque waterfall experience.

4.9
(150 reviews)

"The lush, moss-covered logs intertwined with the waterfall makes for very picturesque scenery, and great photographs!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🦟 Mosquito Repellent is Key!

Mosquitoes can be relentless here, especially in warmer months. Don't forget to pack plenty of repellent!

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The mossy logs and clear water make for stunning photos. Explore logs for unique angles.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.9 · 150 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Moss-Covered Scenery

Moss-Covered Scenery

Falls area

Lush greenery and moss-draped logs create a picturesque, almost magical setting around the falls.

Crystal Clear Waters

Crystal Clear Waters

Falls and upper pond

The water is exceptionally clear, flowing vigorously over rocks and pooling in a calm, inviting upper section.

Tranquil Atmosphere

Tranquil Atmosphere

Falls area

Often quiet and uncrowded, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to truly connect with nature.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Clearwater Falls

Clearwater Falls is a hidden gem, often less crowded than its more famous Oregon counterparts. For the best experience, aim for weekdays or early mornings to enjoy the serene atmosphere and abundant greenery. Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months, and pack repellent!

What to Expect at Clearwater Falls

This isn't a towering cascade, but its charm lies in the lush, moss-covered surroundings and crystal-clear water. The short, easy walk makes it accessible for most, and the nearby pond offers a refreshing dip in summer. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic or photography.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene nature
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Refreshing dip in the pond
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter (with snow)
Why
Unique snowy landscape
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Clearwater Falls, Oregon #clearwaterfalls #pnwwaterfalls #waterfallsofinstagram #pnw #pnwlife #peaceandlove #chasingdreams
richardkroth
155 likes • 686 views

🦟 Mosquito Repellent is Key!

Mosquitoes can be relentless here, especially in warmer months. Don't forget to pack plenty of repellent! Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The mossy logs and clear water make for stunning photos. Explore logs for unique angles. TikTok

Clearwater Falls near Diamond Lake, Oregon back in 2020 #waterfalls #fyp #oregon #diamondlake #southernoregon
heathenmom
198 likes • 3.9K views
reddit.com

Upcoming 7 day road trip

Hi Oregon! My bf and I are flying into Portland next Saturday and renting a camper van for 1 week. Here’s our road trip agenda. We are planning to stay a couple nights near Bend and check out Smith Rock, 3 Sisters, etc. We also want to see Silver Falls but are unsure how it fits…

🥾 Easy Access Trail

A short, mostly flat, and easy walk from the parking lot to the falls. Great for all ages. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Summer Pond Dip

The calm, shallow pond above the falls is perfect for a refreshing dip on hot summer days. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🦟 Mosquito Repellent is Key!

Mosquitoes can be relentless here, especially in warmer months. Don't forget to pack plenty of repellent! Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

The mossy logs and clear water make for stunning photos. Explore logs for unique angles. TikTok

🥾 Easy Access Trail

A short, mostly flat, and easy walk from the parking lot to the falls. Great for all ages. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Summer Pond Dip

The calm, shallow pond above the falls is perfect for a refreshing dip on hot summer days. Reddit

🏕️ Nearby Camping Options

Campgrounds are available nearby, allowing for close proximity to the falls. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(150 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Clearwater Falls is praised for its unique, lush scenery and crystal-clear waters, offering a tranquil experience. While some find it a bit small, its accessible trail and picturesque moss-covered logs make it a favorite for photography and peaceful enjoyment. Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months.

"While not the most spectacular waterfall I've ever seen, what makes this one special is the amount of greenery, moss, various plants, succulents, etc around the falls area. The lush, moss-covered logs intertwined with the waterfall makes for very picturesque scenery, and great photographs! There is a fairly short walk from the parking lot to the falls area, perhaps a quarter mile or less, mostly flat, so it's not too difficult to get to. Also, there is a nearby campground so you could camp in close proximity to the falls. Lastly, above the falls there is a large, shallow pond/pool that looks like would be a fun place to take a dip in the hotter summer months. The water is extremely calm, and with the amount of downed logs close to the falls, it would be almost impossible to go over the edge. I really liked this one, might have been my favorite in the area besides Toketee Falls."

Allan Ruyters

"These are beautiful to sit and listen to the water flowing vigorously down this fall. I hopped on a log and dipped my toes in for a bit."

david lamberti

"I stumbled across this waterfall when I was visiting other falls in the area. Places to camp in the area. Restroom. Great spot to have a picnic. I loved that it was quiet and no other people in the area.
Downfall is the amount of mosquitoes. Make sure to wear plenty of spray as they are relentless.
You can walk over logs for a better view of the falls. Great place to explore."

Marcelle Alvernaz

What People Like

Lush mossy scenery
Crystal clear water
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be small
Mosquitoes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Clearwater Falls is located near Diamond Lake in Oregon. Access typically involves driving on forest roads, which can sometimes have snow in winter. Check road conditions before you go. TikTok

Clearwater Falls is a significant drive from Portland, typically several hours. It's often visited as part of a larger road trip through Oregon's natural attractions. Reddit

Driving conditions can vary. In winter, you might encounter deep snow, while other times the roads are clear. Always check local forest road conditions before your trip. Reddit

Yes, camper vans can access the area, and there are nearby campgrounds. The roads are generally suitable for larger vehicles, though conditions can vary. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking area available near the trailhead for Clearwater Falls. It's usually sufficient for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Clearwater Falls is generally a free attraction. There are no admission fees required to access the falls or the surrounding area. Reddit

Clearwater Falls is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours. Reddit

There is no entrance fee for Clearwater Falls. It's a natural site managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and access is typically free. Reddit

Tours are not typically offered for Clearwater Falls. It's a destination best explored independently. Reddit

Generally, no special permits are required for day visits to Clearwater Falls. However, if you plan to camp or engage in specific activities, check with the local U.S. Forest Service office. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike to Clearwater Falls is very short, typically less than a quarter mile from the parking lot. It's a mostly flat and easy trail. Reddit

The best way to see Clearwater Falls is by taking the short trail to the viewing area. You can also walk over logs for different perspectives and explore the upper pond. Reddit

Yes, Clearwater Falls is very family-friendly due to its short, easy trail and beautiful natural setting. Kids will enjoy the clear water and lush surroundings. Reddit

Clearwater Falls is excellent for photography, especially macro shots of moss and plants, and capturing the clear water. The lush greenery provides a vibrant backdrop. TikTok

Restroom facilities are usually available near the parking area or campground at Clearwater Falls. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options are limited directly at Clearwater Falls. It's best to pack a picnic or plan to eat in nearby towns like Diamond Lake or Roseburg. Reddit

Absolutely! Clearwater Falls is a great spot for a picnic. There are often picnic tables available, or you can find a scenic spot to lay out a blanket. Reddit

Diamond Lake, which is nearby, may have some limited dining options, such as a lodge restaurant or convenience store, especially during the summer season. Reddit

No, there are no cafes or coffee shops directly at Clearwater Falls. It's a natural area focused on outdoor recreation. Reddit

It's highly recommended to pack all your food and drinks, as services are scarce. Sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water are good choices for a picnic. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo opportunities include the moss-covered logs, the clear, flowing water, and the lush surrounding vegetation. Experiment with different angles from the logs. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, ideal for photography. However, the vibrant greenery can be beautiful in midday sun too. TikTok

No, a smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty of Clearwater Falls. However, a camera with good low-light capabilities can be beneficial if visiting during dawn or dusk. TikTok

There are generally no restrictions on personal photography at Clearwater Falls. However, commercial photography might require permits, so check with the U.S. Forest Service if applicable. TikTok

You can get close-up shots of the water and moss, wider shots of the falls and surrounding forest, and even shots of the calm upper pond. TikTok

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