Toketee Falls: One of Oregon’s prettiest waterfalls

Toketee Falls is in the Umpqua National Forest, about an hour’s drive east of Roseburg, Oregon. My wife and I visited the falls on a hot weekday in the middle of summer. We had just left Crater Lake National Park and were on our way to Portland.

The trailhead is relatively remote off of Highway 138. There is not much around it. Pulling into the parking lot for the trailhead, I was shocked to see it essentially full. The parking area was overflowing with cars cramming in where they could. We had to wait a few minutes for someone to leave. This place is popular.

Trail Name: Toketee Falls
Trailhead Location: Off Highway 138 at milepost 58.6 on Forest Road 34
Distance: 0.8 Miles Roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~175+
Type: Out & Back
Features: Waterfall
Dogs: Yes – On Leash

Right next to the parking area, a massive water pipe runs parallel. You would expect it to be made of metal or concrete. But no, a nearby sign explained that the giant 12-foot diameter pipe was made of redwood and carried water from a nearby hydroelectric plant. The giant pipe had a few leaks here and there, spraying cool water. It was very hot and humid out, so we did not attempt to miss the spraying water. It was kind of like running through the sprinkler when you were a kid.

Hiking to Toketee Falls

At the start of the trail, there was a small sign giving some insights on the trail to the falls. The hike is only about 0.8 miles round trip, but there is some elevation gain with more than 100 steps in and out. “Toketee” is pronounced TOKE-uh-tee.

Heading down the well-worn path, we weaved through an old-growth forest of Douglas fir, western red cedar, big-leaf maple, and Pacific yew. The North Umpqua River can be seen from several viewpoints along the way. The first part was relatively flat, and then we climbed a few stairs before descending a steep set of stairs to a wooden viewing platform overlooking Toketee Falls. The platform was interesting; they built it around a giant tree.

The Chinook word “Toketee” means pretty, which may not quite do the view from the platform justice. The waterfall is two-tiered. The upper falls are about 40 feet, and the lower plunges another 80 feet over a wall of volcanic basalt.

We spent about 20 minutes relaxing at the falls and enjoying the view. Despite being crowded, we were able to get a few minutes at the falls by ourselves, which was quite a treat.

Toketee Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Oregon for good reason. Expect crowds, but don’t let that ruin your visit. Take it from us: It’s still an incredible place to visit.

Where is Toketee Falls located?

From Roseburg, OR, turn onto OR-138 E / NE Diamond Lake Boulevard. At milepost 58.6, turn north off Highway 138 onto Forest Road 34 (Toketee-Rigdon Road). Cross the first bridge and turn left to the trailhead parking. The trailhead is at the far end of the parking area.