Fall Creek Trail is in the Lowell District of the Willamette Nat'l Forest and is a part of the National Recreational Trail system. It is an easy to moderate all-season trail close to the Eugene-Springfield area. During the very rainy times it can be very muddy but otherwise offers year around low elevation hiking. It can be accessed at several points along FS 18. You get there by leaving HWY 58 at Dexter Res. and driving north through Lowell on the Jasper-Lowell Rd. until you reach the Unity ju nction. Turn east (right) before the covered bridge and then proceed on Fall Creek Rd. around the north side of Fall Crk. Res. on into the Willamette Forest.

The trail stays close to the creek for most of it's length, only occasionally climbing up the valley sides. Not only is the creek itself a scenic attraction but the forest along the trail contains some spectacular trees. Much of the forest is old growth douglas fir, 6' diam. trees are not uncommon. Giant moss covered big-leafed maples, large western red cedars and hemlocks share riparian zones. This is a popular area, especially in the summer, when the creek offers many swimming holes.

The Fall Creek Trail is one we highly recommend. If someone was visiting this area and had a limited amount of time but still wanted to get a feel for the Oregon woods this is the one we would recommend.

Lower Fall Cr. Trail: This is the most popular section of the trail and the best one for those with children. The trail generally stays close to the creek with several easy access points down to the water along the way. These photos were taken 3/9/96 .
Trail bridge,32.5k
Whitewater,39.5k
Giant moss covered maples,42.1k
Big fir,40.3k

Middle Fall Cr. Trail: This is a very attractive stretch of trail. The creek flows through a deeper canyon and frequently cuts deep channels and pools in the bed rock. These photos taken 3/17/96.
Deep channels,35.5k

Upper Fall Cr. Trail: A true hiking delight. This section follows some incredibly scenic portions of the creek as well as leading through some outstanding old growth douglas fir forest. There are some trees along here that are contenders for some of the largest left standing. The one we show is at least 9' in diameter. This is a more challenging section of trail and there are places where a fall could be fatal. We would not recommend this section for those with small children. These photos were taken 4/14/96.
Log bridge over Fall Creek, 37.7k
Bigger fir,30.6k
View overlooking rapids, 32.0k
Wildflowers along the trail,109.5k trilliums on the left, skunk cabbage upper right, and our favorite, the tiny exotic colored calypso orchid.