National Creek Falls Trail

The National Creek Falls Trail 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 1860's 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.

This short hike is amazingly beautiful. You can literally sit at the base of the falls. I recommend this trail to anyone who wants to spend the day surrounded by beauty. (: