I set out on my own a few weeks ago to explore the waterfall loop trail at McDowell Creek Park. It is located a little east of Lebanon, Oregon; an area I had never been to. On the way there I noticed that the landscape is a little different. There are more flat areas which are used for farming and cattle and more deciduous trees.
Upon entering the park, the first parking area on the right has a restroom, picnic tables and a map. That sounds pretty fancy but it’s not; rustic might be a better word. I took a picture of the map to make sure I was going in the right direction and referred to it a couple of times along the way.
The loop is called a lollipop loop because the first part is out and back before it spits. I went the opposite direction from most of the hikers and I think I’m glad I did. The map showed a picnic area to the left, where I could sit by the water and have some lunch. I never found the picnic area but I enjoyed the direction it took me.
The great thing about the 1.8 mile loop is that people of any age and fitness level can go and see the waterfalls. There are three different parking areas and multiple places to join the loop for a shorter or longer hike.
Wooden Viewing Platform
One of the highlights of the trip was a big wooden structure that was a mixture of bridges, stairs, and viewing platforms. It zigzagged across the river and up a hill to a final platform at the top. Coming from the direction I did, I was surprised by the waterfall when I reached it. Majestic falls is only 39 feet tall but packs quite a punch.
I enjoyed the sounds of the water, birds, and children playing in the water. The vegetation was interesting to look at and I heard someone mention “rain forest” but I haven’t found any verification of that. Many ferns and flat-leaved plants covered the ground and tiny flowers popped out here and there. It was a lovely hike, up and down hills and across wooden bridges.
Stairs
At the end of the hike there were a long series of stone steps. Most hikers face this wall of stairs on their way up, but remember I was going the other way? These were not in any way uniform, some being quite low and others being very tall. There were times when my knee was bent over 90 degrees and I really needed the handrail to get down. I have also read that the steps can be slick when they are wet so wear good shoes and take care if it’s rainy.
Even though I was hiking on my own, I had a very nice time. When I got back to the parking area I felt invigorated (and a little sweaty). It was a warm day and I thought a little dip in the creek might have been nice.
There is no fee at McDowell Creek Park and dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
For more information visit the Linn County Parks website
OregonHiker.org also has a nice article with information about the route, types of trees, and history of the park.
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This place looks so calm and cool 😀 Reminds me of the Terraformed hills on Illeana, Vasilisa’s home planet. The spacers there also built a lot of wooden bridges, rest stops, and gazebos, deep in the new forest their mothers planted. About the size of that waterfall… you know what they say 😛
I’m sure Vasalisa would feel right at home.
Beautiful falls, and a trail short enough that I could hike!
Thanks! It’s sort of customizable; as long or short as you make it. I love that!
Beautiful pictures Alice. I’ve never been here but I would like to check it out now. Do people run on these trails?
Thank you so much for visiting my blog, Rose! I didn’t see anyone running, but it was a Saturday afternoon. There might be some runners earlier or later in the day.
I’m learning all kinds of things following you! This is another “must visit” for my list. It just looks so tranquil! A picnic lunch by the water sounds delightful! Thank you for another great adventure!
Thanks Leona! It’s pretty close and I didn’t even know it was there! I have a couple more good ones coming up from last weekend. Hope you love them!