Dog-Friendly Waterfall Adventures in Southern Oregon: Exploring Little River Road and Highway 138
Watson Falls
Southern Oregon is full of hidden gems, but one of our favorite discoveries from our recent trip with Linus and Luna was the incredible number of waterfalls around the Umpqua National Forest. If your dog loves exploring creeks, new trails, and waterfalls, this area is an adventure playground.
Highway 138, known as the “Waterfall Highway,” follows the North Umpqua River and takes you past some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. While Little River Road is a little less traveled, but no less beautiful. Here are a few of our highlights:
Watson Falls
Watson Falls off of Highway 138 was one of the highlights of our trip. At nearly 300 feet tall, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Oregon and is a short half-mile hike through lush forest, ferns, and towering trees.
Toketee Falls
A few miles drive on Highway 138 from Watson Falls is Toketee Falls. The waterfall flows through a dramatic canyon, creating one of the most unique waterfall views in Oregon. The trail to the falls is also about a half-mile hike through the forest.
The waterfalls along Little River Road are a hidden gem and much quieter than the more popular falls along Highway 138. When we visited Hemlock and Yakso Falls on a weekday, we had the trails almost entirely to ourselves. Luna and Linus loved being able to explore the forest, splash in the water, and enjoy a little off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Hemlock Falls and Yakso Falls
Hemlock Falls and Yakso Falls are two beautiful waterfalls that can both be accessed from the Lake in the Woods Campground area, with short hikes in opposite directions. Hemlock Falls is a half-mile walk through a lush, moss-covered forest leading down to a peaceful waterfall and shallow swimming hole. It was the perfect spot for Luna and Linus to cool off and explore.
Yakso Falls is the larger of the two waterfalls, dropping about 70 feet over large boulders. The pool below the falls was another favorite spot for the dogs, who happily spent time swimming, splashing, and enjoying the cool mountain water.
Southern Oregon is the perfect place for a dog-friendly adventure. Between Highway 138, Little River Road, and the surrounding forests, there are endless opportunities to explore waterfalls, rivers, and scenic trails with your pup.
Luna and Linus loved every minute of our trip, and we cannot wait to come back and explore more of this beautiful corner of Oregon.
If you are planning a longer Oregon road trip with your dog, check out our other adventures through the Oregon Coast and Central Oregon.
Luna at the Umpqua River
