University Falls is an often overlooked yet impressive falls in Tillamook State Forest. Falling 55 feet over a wide basalt cliff, this beautiful cascade is accessible by a short and gentle trail any time of the year. While the route to the trailhead can be somewhat difficult to find due to multiple turns on logging roads, it is still a short distance off of the Wilson River Highway (Highway 6). Enjoy the ambiance of red alder and the roar of University Falls as Elliott Creek rushes by.

Note that the trail may be closed periodically and without warning due to active logging operations in the area.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Short trail. Impressive wide cascading falls.

Cons

Short trail. A few logging roads. Active logging in the area.

Trailhead Elevation

1,745.41 ft (532.00 m)

Features

Waterfalls

Old-growth forest

Typically multi-day

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Elk Creek Campground

Tillamook State Forest

Tyson Gillard

Jones Creek Campground

Tillamook State Forest

Tyson Gillard

Keenig Creek Campground

Northern Oregon Coast, Oregon

Tyson Gillard

Comments

Sara Hendrickson

03/09/2019

This was a nice, easy hike. There was still snow on the trail and on the road to the trailhead. A van got stuck in the snow so 4wd would help. The falls were pretty with the snow and ice!

Anna in Portland

05/25/2018

Skip it. It's a long, dusty drive to a microscopic hike (0.6 mile). Much of the view is clear cut and blowdowns obscure a decent shot of the falls.

Also, the trail is crisscrossed by dirt bike routes, permeating the forest with the shrill whine of combustion engines and the smell of exhaust. Yee-haw.

Steph DuBois

06/03/2017

A few large fallen trees are now at the base of the falls, but it is a beautiful sight nonetheless! Definitely worth the quick walk to see.
The falls were pretty steady but another local trail-goer mentioned that in Summer it slows down much more, so I'd imagine Winter & Spring are the best times to see it.

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
and share them.

University Falls

Northern Oregon Coast, Oregon

You are here

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Congestion

Parking Pass

Pros

Cons

Trailhead Elevation

Features

Typically multi-day

Location

Nearby Adventures

Gales Creek Trail

Elk Mountain to Kings Mountain Traverse

Elk Creek Campground

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Elk Creek Campground

Jones Creek Campground

Keenig Creek Campground

Comments

You May Also Enjoy

Pine Creek Loop

Mount Herman, Raspberry Mountain, and Chautauqua Mountain Loop

Stove Mountain

About Us

University Falls

Northern Oregon Coast, Oregon

You are here

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Congestion

Parking Pass

Pros

Cons

Trailhead Elevation

Features

Typically multi-day

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

You May Also Enjoy

Join free