The Most Underrated Waterfall Trail In Oregon, Pup Creek Falls, Is A Delightful Day Hike
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 23, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
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.
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.
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Unlike the Clackamas River Trail, Pup Creek Falls Trail is an 8.5-mile trek that's generally not crowded, and much more accessible.
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.
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.
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.
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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