Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

What wonders a coat of snow can work.

Most landscapes seem to transform magically when covered in ice and snow, and waterfalls are no exception. In fact, there’s something especially wonderful about a cascade of water that continues to roar, as the world around it feels frozen in place.

There are several waterfalls around Oregon that remain accessible during winter, but few match the grandeur of Salt Creek Falls.



At 286 feet tall, the Cascade Mountain waterfall doesn’t rank among the very tallest in Oregon (Multnomah Falls caps that list, at 635 feet tall), but with a spectacular single plunge and reliable year-round flow, it’s easily one of the best in the state.

READ MORE: The 25 greatest waterfalls in Oregon

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Snow and ice covers the cliffs just behind the 286-foot waterfall.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The view looking west into the Willamette National Forest from the viewpoint above Salt Creek Falls.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The road to Salt Creek Falls closes in the winter, turning a short drive into a snowy walk to the waterfall.

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Salt Creek Falls also benefits from easy access year-round. Located just off Oregon Route 58 at Willamette Pass, the waterfall is less than a mile from the highway, making it an easy pit stop for anyone driving between Eugene and Crater Lake.

During summer, an ample parking area accommodates the crowds who also flock to nearby Waldo, Odell and Crescent lakes, as well as the Pacific Crest Trail. Come winter, the road to that parking lot is closed, but visitors can still park at the gate and walk a short .6 miles to the main viewpoint overlooking the falls.

If conditions are right, hikers can continue to a secondary viewpoint looking head-on at Salt Creek Falls. A 3.7-mile loop hike can also take you nearby Diamond Creek Falls and back.



In winter those trails can become covered in snow and ice, and might be dangerous to hike. If it’s icy and you don’t have the proper gear, you’re better off just enjoying the primary – and perfectly nice – view from above.

After all, that first view of Salt Creek Falls is the main attraction. It’s particularly beautiful this time of year, when a little bit of snow seems to transform it into a new place altogether.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A viewpoint overlooking Salt Creek Falls in the Willamette National Forest is dusted with snow and ice.

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SALT CREEK FALLS WINTER HIKE

Distance: 1.2 miles, round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Amenities: None



To reach the trailhead, turn off Oregon Route 58 near mile marker 57, following signs for Salt Creek Falls. Make your first right and park in the small parking area just before the gate closure.

You’ll need to consider the snowfall when you visit. If a lot of snow has recently fallen, you may want to bring snowshoes. Otherwise, it should be an easy (though potentially slippery) walk down the snowy road.

Follow the road to the large, circular parking area and stay right, walking counterclockwise until you see the interpretive kiosk near the restrooms. Find the trail just behind the kiosk and follow it a short way to the viewpoint. You can head up the stone steps to find good views overlooking the falls.

If conditions allow, you can follow the fence at the top of the steps and continue hiking to a secondary viewpoint looking directly at the waterfall. It's possible to descend all the way to the base of the falls, but it's not recommended – especially in the winter.



--Jamie Hale | jhale@oregonian.com | @HaleJamesB



SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Salt Creek plunges off a cliff in the Cascade Mountains, becoming Salt Creek Falls.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The road to Salt Creek Falls closes in the winter, turning a short drive into a snowy walk to the waterfall.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A viewpoint overlooking Salt Creek Falls in the Willamette National Forest is dusted with snow and ice.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian