Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls
Monroe, Oregon
Details
Distance
2.4 miles
Elevation Gain
269 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Michael Graw
See two beautiful and lesser-known Oregon Coast Range waterfalls, Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls, on this relaxing day hike along the uppermost portion of the Alsea River.
This is a great and easy day hike that features two waterfalls - Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls - amid beautiful Oregon Coast Range scenery. This hike is perfect for a family trip as the trail is dog-friendly, the Alsea River serves as a swimming hole on hot days, and there is a picnic area just across from the trailhead. Campsites are also available for those looking to spend a weekend exploring the Coast Range.
To reach the Alsea Falls Recreation Area and the start of the trail, take the Alsea-Deadwood Highway from the town of Alsea 1 mile to the South Fork Road. Follow that road for 8.5 miles, then turn left into the signed Day Use parking area. A day-use fee of $5 is required for those without a Northwest Forest or other recreation pass.
You will find yourself looking over the top of Alsea Falls almost as soon as you step away from the trailhead. To get a better view of the front face of the falls, look to the left for a trail that accesses the flat rocks below the falls - just be careful stepping out onto these as they are often quite slippery. The pool below these rocks makes for a great swimming hole on a hot day!
To begin the hike towards Green Peak Falls, head back up to the top of Alsea Falls and go across the footbridge. From there, the trail follows a gently sloping path through beautiful Douglas fir, cedar, and maple forest. There are numerous use-trails that cut through the undergrowth to the Alsea River if you would like to explore the riverbank or if the swimming holes directly below the waterfalls are too crowded for your tastes. About one mile down the trail, keep right at the fork with a BLM road to keep heading towards Green Peak Falls.
The trail itself leads to spectacular views of Green Peak Falls and another pool that can be used as a swimming hole. For those looking to explore the area some more, there is a use-trail to the right of the falls that climbs to the creek above the falls.
Once finished, head back to the trailhead for lunch at the picnic area directly across the road from the trailhead parking lot. Alternatively, there is a cafe in the nearby town of Alsea or a wealth of food (and brewery) options in Corvallis, about 30 minutes east along Highway 34.
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Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls Reviews
Some get confused how to get to the trail head. I recommend driving past the Alsea Campground and take the next right. I can’t remember the sign exactly, but it does have Alsea Recreational area noted. It does cost $5 or you can use your pass if you have one. From the parking lot it’s a short hike to Alsea Falls. It is beautiful and raging this time of year. You can walk right up to it! Head back towards the parking lot and cross the bridge to go to Green Peak Falls. It’s a little over a mile and was muddy today (1/9/2021). You’ll follow the trail and it will turn into a wider road through campgrounds, but look for the signs and it will be easy to stay on the trail. Green Peak Falls is beautiful too! We passed several people on the trail, but the time we spent at Green Peak Falls we were alone. Not sure what the water is like in the summer, but this is a great hike to do in the winter!
5.0
The trail to Green Peak Falls was a little difficult to find. 3 sets of hiking parties that I asked could not find it and turned around. Like the post says, at the fork turn right towards the Falls. There is a sign, but it doesn't say which direction to go. Follow the road down the hill and continue straight. Camp site 3 has a hiking trail towards the back. There is an old beat up sign on the ground that reads "Green Peak Falls Trail" but it is hard to read unless you are close. Follow that trail, turn right at the fork and follow to the Falls! Well worth it.
4.0
Early to mid-June the salmon berries are ripe and can be found along many portions of this trail. YUM! I took my dog here just last week in the evening. We only stumbled upon 2 other hikers. The dog swam at Green Peak falls while I sat peacefully enjoying the forest. When we arrived back at the car (I parked at the day use area), the campground hosts from next door were making their rounds. They were friendly and didn't mind that my dog was off leash. In the Fall the chanterelle picking here is good. Take the trail to the right after crossing the footbridge for a nice stroll along the creek, through a very pretty doug fir forest. I plan to go back and camp this summer!
4.0
Really beautiful and lush forest to explore in. An easy hike to the falls. The falls themselves are freezing cold and would not recommend swimming unless you're a tough cookie. Beautiful and secluded location.
4.0
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