Mac’s Place
A relaxed creekside pub in downtown Silverton that is easy to pair with a Silver Falls day.
View current hours, reviews, and location
Photo by That Oregon LifeWillamette Valley · Near Scotts Mills
Upper Butte Creek Falls
Upper Butte Creek Falls is a short walk waterfall outing near Scotts Mills in Willamette Valley. This guide rates the visit easy and collects the practical information available for planning responsibly.
- DifficultyEasy
- AccessShort walk
- Round trip1.3 mi
- Nearest townScotts Mills
The place
Why Upper Butte Creek Falls is worth the stop
Upper Butte Creek Falls is a public waterfall destination near Scotts Mills, set in the green western Cascade foothills. The visit is best understood as a 1.3-mile round-trip short walk rather than a stop measured only by waterfall height.
What the experience feels like
Expect 1.3-mile round-trip short walk with a easy difficulty rating. Conditions can change quickly, so check the official source before the drive.
Visit details
Plan your trip
- Waterfall status
- Natural waterfall
- Public access
- Public destination; verify current alerts before travel
- Region
- Willamette Valley
- County
- Marion
- Nearest town
- Scotts Mills
- Access type
- Short walk
- Round-trip distance
- 1.3 mi
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Parking
- Use the signed public trailhead or day-use area
- Road conditions
- Seasonal gravel forest roads; verify route and fire closures
- Current note
- Some trails in the Butte Creek Falls area remain closed; check the current ODF trail report
Trailhead and parking
Start at the documented public access point
Coordinates: 44.946700, -122.506800
The coordinates identify the documented public parking area or trailhead—not an off-trail waterfall location. Download directions before leaving cell service.
No star ratings
Why this is rated easy
The easy rating reflects the documented short walk access and approximately 1.3 mi round trip. Surfaces, weather, crowds, and seasonal closures can still create challenges.
EasyMinimal distance or straightforward developed access.
ModerateMore mileage, uneven terrain, or conditions requiring preparation.
HardLong, remote, exposed, or otherwise consequential travel.
Difficulty is a planning aid, not a guarantee. Snow, ice, heat, high water, trail damage, and individual ability can change the experience substantially.
Protect the place
Leave No Trace at Upper Butte Creek Falls
Waterfall corridors are easily damaged by shortcuts, litter, contaminated water, and crowding. Keep your visit on the durable, legal route and leave the site ready for the next person.
- Stay on the signed trail, use established viewpoints, and respect every closure.
- Pack out food scraps, dog waste, toilet paper, and everything else you bring.
- Leave rocks, plants, wood, and historic features where they are.
- Keep soap, food, and sunscreen out of streams, and give wildlife and other visitors room.
Independent local picks
Eat and stay near Silverton
Silverton is the strongest food-and-lodging base for the north Valley waterfall country. These are editorial suggestions, not paid placements.
Oregon Garden Resort
A full-service resort beside the Oregon Garden with rooms, spa amenities, and an on-site restaurant.
View current hours, reviews, and locationRecommendations were editorially reviewed in August 2026. Businesses, quality, hours, prices, and availability can change; confirm current details before relying on a stop.
Keep exploring
Other waterfalls nearby
Selected first from the same practical road, park, or trail corridor—not from straight-line distance alone.
