smith river falls, oregon, reedsport, camping, swimming holes, oasisDave Brunett, Google Local

Oregon Coast and Coast Range · Near Reedsport

Upper Smith River Falls

Upper Smith River Falls is a roadside waterfall outing near Reedsport in Oregon Coast and Coast Range. This guide rates the visit easy and collects the practical information available for planning responsibly.

Get directionsCheck current conditions
  • DifficultyEasy
  • AccessRoadside
  • Round trip0.2 mi
  • Nearest townReedsport

The place

Why Upper Smith River Falls is worth the stop

Upper Smith River Falls is a public waterfall destination near Reedsport, set in the Oregon Coast Range. The visit is best understood as a 0.2-mile round-trip roadside rather than a stop measured only by waterfall height.

What the experience feels like

Expect 0.2-mile round-trip roadside with a easy difficulty rating. Conditions can change quickly, so check the official source before the drive.

From our Oregon archive: Read That Oregon Life’s full story about this area.

Visit details

Plan your trip

Waterfall status
Natural waterfall
Public access
Public destination; verify current alerts before travel
Region
Oregon Coast and Coast Range
County
Douglas
Nearest town
Reedsport
Access type
Roadside
Round-trip distance
0.2 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Parking
Use the signed public trailhead or day-use area
Road conditions
Paved and gravel river roads; verify seasonal conditions

Trailhead and parking

Start at the documented public access point

Coordinates: 43.797000, -123.811000

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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 roadside access and approximately 0.2 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 Smith River 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.
Read our complete guide to the seven Leave No Trace principles

From our Oregon archive

Continue planning with That Oregon Life’s existing trail reporting, photography, regional guides, and nearby trip ideas.

Independent local picks

Eat and stay near the central Oregon Coast

For Mapleton and remote Coast Range trailheads, Florence or Reedsport usually offers the most dependable services. These are editorial suggestions, not paid placements.

Recommendations 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.

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