Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint
Mill and Barr Creek Falls: A Misty Journey
Bring water and don’t wear flip-flops on this hike to some of Oregon’s most beautiful waterfalls!
Escape the crowds and find one of the best (in my opinion) waterfall hiking trails in southern Oregon. This is an easy trail with amazing views of two waterfalls! Oregon's waterfalls are undeniably some of the most serene and powerful places and nestled within Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint are Mill & Barr Creek falls. These are two of my favorite waterfalls to road trip to in the springtime and the summer. Though the trail itself is not particularly long, you'll want to leave yourself plenty of time to explore the riverbanks and get lost in the beauty of this area.
(Early spring the area was covered with beautiful little pink flowers aka salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)
[The best view of Mill Creek!]
The trail is a comfortable 1.5-mile out-and-back path, providing easy access to spectacular views of two waterfalls located just a quarter-mile apart (not to mention amazing views of the majestic Rogue River below, 2 birds 1 stone!). If you want to venture closer to the riverbank to swim or to the base of Mill Creek falls, be prepared for some adventurous trekking across rocky terrain. When you arrive in the parking lot there is a large wooden sign directing you downhill on a wide dirt trail. Although the path is friendly for dogs and families, it's important to note that the overlooks you are here for are not equipped with guardrails and feature steep cliff edges—be sure to keep young children and pets under close supervision.
A few minutes into walking you'll come to a junction; stay right for the falls (but don't forget to go left after and check out the Avenue of the Boulders). Continue on for a few minutes and you'll encounter another fork marked by signs—left for “Mill Cr 173” and right for “Barr Cr 242.” Head left first to witness Mill Creek Falls. After a short quarter-mile walk through lush woodland, you'll arrive at an impressive overlook of Mill Creek Falls which cascades beautifully from a height of 173 feet!
While other viewpoints exist nearby, this spot provides the most unobstructed view. When you get your fill of views and photos from this spot, head back to the split junction and go right for “Barr Cr 242”. This trail guides you to another viewpoint atop some rocks. This viewpoint reveals the captivating Barr Creek Falls, which gracefully descends three tiers and totals a whopping 242 feet! If you carefully navigate the rocky terrain near the edge, you'll be rewarded with a remarkable panoramic view capturing both falls simultaneously.
Now that you've got the views you came for you can head back to the parking lot or trek towards the Avenue of Boulders
[Left- Barr Creek Falls from the rocky ledge. Right- Zoomed in on Barr Creek Falls]
On the off chance you're like me and want to get close and personal with the falls there is an unofficial trail that scrambles down to the base of Mill Creek and the crystal clear Rogue River. I think this is essentially a "non-negotiable" if you go here, but Some guy wasn't wearing good shoes(flip-flops) and decided to not slip down the mountain with me. The ‘trail’ requires carefully descending down the mountain over mossy wet rocks. It can be challenging because it is steep and wet from mist coming off the falls so make sure you are wearing boots or shoes with a strong tread so you don't miss out! Go slow, the view will be there no matter how long it takes you and I think it is totally worth it.
The water crashing from 173 feet above you creates a wet wind at the base of the falls and it totally soaks you! It's cool and refreshing and a reminder of how powerful nature is. I count this adventure as one of the best waterfall hikes in the USA, but I still have a lot of travelling to do.
If you think I'm wrong, well then you haven't been. So take an epic road trip, a weekend getaway,or a couples date day, and go check it out- It is so worth the adventure to feel the mist for yourself.
You would not want to take a dip as pictured.
We were here in May when the waterfalls were in full force and the river was strong and very chilly, so we didn't go to the Avenue of the Boulders for a swim but I highly recommend checking it out while you are there. The same trail for the falls will come to a split, go left at the sign and it'll lead you to car-sized boulders to scramble on, a swimming hole, and plenty of sunny spots to explore. The water is always cold but anytime other than early spring and I’d recommend taking a dip!
