Another “in our back yard” falls is McDowell Creek Falls near Sweet Home. Brenda had gone years ago with a friend and our kids when they were young. That was probably 30-plus years ago. It is billed as an “alternative to Silver Falls”. Not quite as far away and less people.
Both are true, however, the falls are not nearly as spectacular as Silver Falls.
Yet, it was still a very nice day hike. Again, we had perfect weather. A great lunch at The Point in Sweet Home (see my blog on that here).
We chose, as usual, to do the more difficult uphill part of the loop on the way in so we could be going downhill on the way out. We parked at the lower parking lot at Lower McDowell Falls. As far as I know, there is no Upper McDowell Creek Falls. The overall loop is about 2 miles.
The hike starts with a fairly easy uphill walk, then switches to rock stairs that are pretty steep. But not for very long. The reward is Royal Terrace Falls, a 119 ft high triple falls.
Walking on around the loop, you come to Majestic Falls, which was my personal favorite.
We continued now downhill back to the car. Beautiful flora along the way back, with a few crossing the road areas of the trail. And some occasional glimpses of the creek.
Overall, a nice day hike and a pleasant outing. Next up, weather permitting, Smith Rock.
One of our favorite hikes.