Outbound Collective logo

Hike to Mill Creek & Barr Creek Falls

Prospect, Oregon

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

0.5 miles

Elevation Gain

50 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Dan Loch

Hike to two beautiful falls, 173 ft Mill Creek Falls and 240 ft Barr Creek Falls, all within 1/4 mile of each other on an easy viewing trail. Scramble down to the base of the falls to cool off in the Rogue River on a hot summer day, or boulder and climb on house-size boulders and natural rock slides into the Rogue River at Avenue of the Boulders.

Mill Creek Falls is a lesser-known gem in Southern Oregon. At 173 ft it is one of the tallest in the area, and Barr Creek Falls, plunging 240 ft, is less than a quarter mile further down the trail. The viewpoints can be accessed year-round though flows often fluctuate and spring/winter may best for greater flows. If conditions are right, the falls will freeze/partially freeze offering great photo opportunities.

Though this is a family and dog-friendly viewing trail, the view points are very exposed in some areas, with steep cliffs that have resulted in deaths from falls, so please be careful taking photos and keep an eye on children/dogs.

There is a spur trail that leads you steeply down to the base of Mill Creek Falls. This allows great access to the Rogue River and the cooling mist from the falls on a hot summer day. Be aware that the Upper Rogue River is cold, quite cold, all year round, and flows fluctuate as well based on weather. In the Winter or Spring, bring a rope as you may need it to descend/ascend the trail down to falls if it is icy/slippery.

After just a few minutes after leaving the trailhead you will find a junction that allows both falls to be accessed on the trail to the right and the Avenue of the Boulders to the left. Avenue of the Boulders is a natural playground for adults and children with a mind-boggling plethora of house-sized boulders and natural rock slides into the Rogue River. This is also a great spot to sunbathe and cool off with a dip into a swim hole. The Rogue River, however, should not be taken lightly, so please don't leave children unsupervised.

Getting there: Mill Creek Falls and Avenue of The Boulders sit just outside of the town of Prospect, OR and south of Prospect State Park. If traveling south on Hwy 62 from Crater Lake, turn east on Mill Creek Road. In 1.5 miles, you will find the marked trailhead and free parking area. There is a map at the trailhead and I recommend reviewing it before heading down to the falls or boulders.

If you are wanting to grab a bite or brew afterward, stop at Beckie's Cafe north in Union Creek or the Rogue River Lodge in Trail, OR to the south.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Rock Climbing
Chillin
Photography
Swimming
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Reviews

Nice short hike to two views of two tall water falls. The trail is pretty steep, but it is worth it. Also check out Ave of the boulders. It gorgeous with boulders the size of semi trucks. Beautiful close up views of the rogue flowing over waterfalls. You can wade in a couple spots, though the water is pretty cold. It's a great place to explore and enjoy the beauty and power of the river.

Nice place to get out the car and see some waterfalls. Highly recommend hiking down to the falls IF you are fit and able to deal with steep trails. Its not a far way down but it is slick in sections. The rocks and trail at the bottom are very wet due to mist from the falls. Bring rain gar to stay dry and if you want to take pictures make sure you bring a few cloths to keep wiping your lens clear of moisture! Also, photographers, bring a polarizer so you can make the most of the rainbows in the mist. If you are in the area, also check out Pearsony Falls: https://www.theoutbound.com/oregon/hiking/115725

It's a great hike and good directions. One update is that Rogue River Lodge no longer serves food, so you might want to check out Pizza at the Cove in Shady Cove.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore Pearsony Falls

Backpack to Devil's Peak and the Seven Lakes Basin

Explore the Rogue River Gorge

Hike Union Peak

The Rim at Crater Lake NP

Visit the Lady of the Woods at Crater Lake