Overview

• Location: Douglas County, Umpqua National Forest (Clearwater River, near Toketee Falls)

• Waterfall Type: Punchbowl

• Height: ~14 feet (4 m)

• Trail Distance: Short walk from roadside; approximately 0.1 miles

• Difficulty: Easy

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round

History & Background

Whitehorse Falls is a charming 14-foot punchbowl on the Clearwater River in the Umpqua National Forest, visible directly from a campground and day-use area off Highway 138 near the community of Toketee Falls. Though modest in height, the falls pour over a smooth basalt ledge into a deep blue-green pool that is among the most beautiful small plunge pools in the Umpqua corridor. The campground setting makes this one of the most accessible overnight waterfall destinations in the Umpqua National Forest — campers wake to the sound of the falls just steps from their sites. The Clearwater River here is a tributary of the North Umpqua, joining the larger river downstream near Steamboat.

Geology

Whitehorse Falls drops 14 feet over a polished basalt ledge into a deep punchbowl on the Clearwater River at approximately 4,000 feet elevation in the upper North Umpqua watershed. The clear, cold water and the intensely blue-green color of the pool reflect the purity and depth of the plunge pool, carved into the resistant basalt by centuries of hydraulic force. The surrounding forest of Douglas fir, mountain hemlock, and white fir reflects the high-elevation character of this corner of the Umpqua National Forest.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Steamboat, OR (~15 miles west via Hwy 138); Roseburg, OR (~65 miles west)

• Trail Information:

  • From Highway 138 near Toketee Falls, turn onto the Clearwater River Road to Whitehorse Falls Campground; the falls are visible from the campground and a very short walk leads to the pool viewpoint

  • Whitehorse Falls Campground is a pleasant overnight base for exploring the North Umpqua corridor waterfalls; reservations recommended in summer

• Parking:

  • Whitehorse Falls Campground day-use parking; Umpqua NF day-use fee; campsite reservations via Recreation.gov

• Accessibility:

  • Short, flat path from the campground; generally accessible for most visitors

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Good flows; the blue-green pool most vivid with spring snowmelt

• Summer: Lower flows but the pool is beautiful; popular campground destination

• Fall: Flows return with October rains; quieter season in the campground

• Winter: Road may be affected by snow at this elevation; check conditions

Nearby Attractions

• Toketee Falls (~5 miles west)

• Watson Falls (~10 miles west)

• Clearwater River (fishing)

• Lemolo Falls (~10 miles east)

• Umpqua Hot Springs (~20 miles west)

References

• Links:

  • Umpqua National Forest – USFS

  • Travel Oregon – North Umpqua Highway

• Books:

  • Oregon Waterfalls by Greg Plumb

  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest