Lemolo Falls via the Lemolo Falls Trail

Lemolo Falls in the Umpqua National Forest is well worth the steep hike down into the canyon. This impressive 165-foot waterfall pours over the basalt cliffs and creates a lush, green landscape around the base. Lemolo is a Chinook word meaning "wild" or "untamed," and is very fitting for these massive falls along the North Umpqua River. You can feel the power and spray from the water as you stand at the base of the falls. It's a great place to relax on a hot day, look for birds, or just enjoy the roar of the falls. Forest Road 840, which is the approach road for the trailhead, has deep ruts and can be a bit rough, so it's best to take it slow. There are no facilities at the trailhead. Two trails lead to the falls. The Lemolo Falls Trail #1468 approaches from the north: The trailhead is harder to reach and the trail is steeper and sometimes blocked by downed trees or landslides. That being said, it's worth the hike because it leads you all the way to the base of the falls for a stunning view of the canyon. The North Umpqua Trail #1414 approaches from the south: The White Mule Trailhead is easier to get to, the hike follows the river and is more gradual, but it is also muddier and stays along the top of the canyon with no real trail down to the base of the falls. Either trail will give you an amazing view of the falls, and the trailheads are close enough and the trails are short enough that you can easily do both in the same day.