Lower + Upper Parker Falls

The Brice Creek area of Umpqua National Forest is home to many spectacular waterfalls, and Parker Falls are no exception. Located only minutes from Evergreen Falls and Blue Hole Falls, this short hike is a perfect addition to a Brice Creek waterfall tour. The trail begins across the road from the trailhead parking lot and quickly ascends at a moderate grade over a fairly rocky and uneven trail. Sword ferns and moss-laden boulders fringe the trail while Parker Creek's waters rush below. The trail continues rising for 0.5 miles, according to the trailhead sign. Be patient; the amount of time it takes to hike this half-mile portion feels disproportionately longer than the mileage indicates. A split in the trail leads right to Lower Parker Falls or continues left up a slightly steeper grade to the Upper Parker Falls. Taking the right fork quickly leads to the Lower Parker Falls, an impressive three-tiered fall that is the highlight of this trail. After you've taken in Lower Parker Falls, double back and continue up the trail for another quarter mile to Upper Parker Falls. Beyond this point the trail dissolves above Upper Parker Falls with no real view to be had. If you are feeling up for it, you can scramble down the fairly steep slope for a better view of the falls before heading back to the trailhead.