‘Use at your own risk’: The wild, treacherous hike to one of Oregon’s most beautiful waterfalls

Abiqua Falls emerges from the cliffs above Abiqua Creek.

Scroll through social media videos of Oregon waterfalls, and you’re bound to spot Abiqua Falls before long. The 92-foot waterfall, found near Silverton, has captured the attention of Northwest hikers for years, despite the notoriously rough road and treacherous trail to get there.

For nearly a century, Abiqua Falls has been on private property owned by the Mount Angel Abbey, a Benedictine order that has allowed public recreational access. That may soon change, as Oregon land management agencies await Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature on funding set aside to purchase that land, as well as a nearby parcel owned by timber giant Weyerhaeuser, for $2 million.

When and if a state public lands agency takes over the land, there may be changes to Abiqua Falls. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, which would be responsible for making the purchase, has already outlined a list of necessary renovations and new construction that could cost upwards of $8.2 million. But until that time comes, hikers will continue to face the dangerous conditions necessary to reach the falls.

Fallen logs present an obstacle along the narrow, rocky footpath that leads to Abiqua Falls.

I went out to Abiqua Falls on Monday to scope out the site. Conditions were still muddy following a late-winter rain. The state of the site seemed to be worse than the last time I visited in 2017 — though I may have brought a more critical eye, with the expectation of the site becoming a state-owned land.

I found the last mile of road impassable in my Subaru Crosstrek, while the hike required some balance, tricky footwork and the use of ropes that are tied to the trees along the trail. While short, this hike is very steep and rugged. Because of that, it’s crucial for hikers to have the proper footwear, and to have the physical capability to navigate the rough terrain.

Using a rope on one last descent to Abiqua Creek.

Here’s what I learned about navigating the area.

Driving to the trailhead

The Abiqua Falls Trailhead is found in a remote stretch of timberlands, just outside Silverton. While Google Maps will get you close, you’ll need a little more information to reach the trail. You should also be prepared to walk.

The nearest highway is Oregon 213, which runs between Silverton and Molalla. Whichever way you approach, you’ll want to follow signs for the town of Scotts Mills (coming from Molalla it’s a left on South Nowlens Bridge Road; coming from Silverton it’s a right on Mt. Angel Scotts Mills Road Northeast). Once you reach the town of Scotts Mills, you’ll find Crooked Finger Road heading south out of town.

Ropes tied to trees lead down the steep and muddy trail down to Abiqua Falls.

Follow Crooked Finger Road for 10.8 miles (the pavement ends after about 9.5 miles), then turn right onto a dirt road that immediately heads downhill. This road is technically unsigned, but you should see a wooden signboard that has information about the Crooked River OHV Area.

From here, the directions are relatively easy: stay straight at every junction and follow the dirt road about 2.5 miles until it ends at a gate. Look for a parking area and find the trailhead just back up the road, identifiable by large white signs posted on the trees that warn visitors to hike at their own risk.

Many cars, if not most, will never make it that far.

While the entire road is rough, the last couple miles contain a couple of sections that are heavily potholed. One section has a steep, bumpy dropoff that is particularly dangerous: Many cars opt to pull over just before this spot, a mile from the trailhead, and you would be wise to join them there. Some larger SUVs or dirt bikes may be able to make it just fine, but even cars with high clearance and all-wheel drive can get stuck.

With no cell service in the area, you’re facing a long walk out to get help.

The dirt road to the Abiqua Falls Trailhead has many dangerous sections, including this enormous dip that has trapped and troubled vehicles. Many drivers opt to stop just before this section of road.

The best advice is to drive this road cautiously and be prepared to stop at any moment. Don’t take any chances that feel too risky. If you’re willing to walk an extra mile or two in, there’s no reason to risk the whole drive. If you’re unwilling to walk in, reconsider doing this hike.

Big white signs are posted near the Abiqua Falls Trailhead.

Hiking to the waterfall

There are several unsigned trails along the access road, so make sure you’re at the right one. Again, you’ll see large white signs posted to the trees that say “Abbey Foundation of Oregon” and “use at your own risk.” The trail itself is short, only .4 miles each way, but it’s a bit of a treacherous hike.

The only junction to be aware of is a sudden break in the trail that leads to an open area on the right. A hand-carved marker in the side of a tree correctly points you to the left, where the trail continues downhill.

From there, you’ll begin to see the ropes. Most of this steep, downhill portion of the trail is lined with ropes that are tied around the trunks and roots of trees. They may not seem necessary at first, but the ropes quickly become a vital resource as the muddy slope gets steeper and steeper leading down to Abiqua Creek.

Don’t be foolhardy — just use the ropes.

Once you descend to the creek bed, look left to find the trail as it continues upstream along rocky shoreline. As of mid-March, logs here forced hikers to hurdle and crawl to continue. The walk here is short, but it feels longer as you have to pick your way along the rocky path, and take care not to slip into the water. Before long, the creek comes to a bend and Abiqua Falls comes into view.

Abiqua Falls is found on a 40-acre parcel of private land that is nestled into the timberlands outside Silverton.

The waterfall is a stunner, plunging beautifully into a wide pool beneath rock formations of columnar basalt. A small beach area allows enough room for about a dozen people to spread out, with places to wade into the shallows. In the winter, it’s a powerful force of nature; in summer, it’s an idyllic swimming hole.

Abiqua Falls, a 92-foot waterfall found outside Silverton, is found at the end of a treacherous drive and hike.

Once you’ve had your fill, go back the way you came and avoid the temptation of seeking out an easier path — there are none; this is the easy path.

Because this trail is more treacherous than most, it’s especially important to carry the 10 Essentials and make sure you tell someone where you’re going. Hikers have had serious accidents at Abiqua Falls, some requiring emergency rescues. There were high-profile incidents at the waterfall in 2025, 2017 and 2015.

If you take the proper precautions and prepare yourself for a more rugged adventure, you can focus on the joy of experiencing this beautiful waterfall in all its glory.

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