National Creek Falls Trail #1053

This is an excellent day hike for the whole family! The trail descends through a shaded, mixed conifer forest, ending at the base of National Creek Falls. Fed by springs on the pumice flanks of Mt. Mazama, National Creek flows year-round even in drought years. The falls provide a cool, moist oasis in the hot summer heat.

The National Creek drainage was a popular layover site for travelers on the old John Day Trail that passed just north of here at Lake West. Blazed out in the early 1860s by miners and stockmen, this route was used for travel from the Rogue Valley to the newly discovered gold mines in the John Day Valley. Reopened in 1910 by the Forest Service, this wagon road became known as the Diamond Lake Road.

At a Glance