Journey to Alaska Episode 04
Join us in this episode, “Our 2019 Journey to Alaska Episode 04”, where we explore the beautiful Sweet Creek Trail hike in Mapleton, Oregon. You can also follow our journey on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook
Sweet Creek Falls Trail Facts
This is an easy hike along the creek with an abundance of waterfalls all varying in size. We read there are 11 waterfalls along this trail but honestly, we lost count. Definitely more than 11 if you count every drop the water makes along the way.
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- Four tiered-plunges ranging from 10 to 30 feet cascade for a total of 70 feet creating a multiple waterfall effect. Many other smaller falls grace the hike in. Sweet Creek Falls is the grand finale.
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- Superbly family friendly, this collection of small waterfalls enhances a shady hiking trail with fun bridges and metal walkways skirting the creek. Delightful year-round!
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- If you like to get your feet wet, wade in the small pools along the way but be cautious of slippery mossy rocks and fast-moving currents.
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- There is a section of canyon wall “cat-walk” that is not popular with some dogs. Maggie wasn’t a huge fan of the catwalk but she reluctantly followed us across.
You won’t want to miss the grand finale viewpoint at the very end of the trail. This is where the tallest waterfall begins and its simply beautiful. It is a bit of a climb up the trail, the trail narrows and goes up a few feet towards a landing deck where you can view the entire waterfall. I’m sure during busy times this spot will be crowded. We took our time and enjoyed a peaceful walk on a not so busy late April Saturday.
Directions
You’ll need to travel about 30 minutes east of Florence, Oregon to find this gem of a waterfall trail hike.
Drive Highway 126 to the Siuslaw River Bridge in Mapleton. Cross the bridge from town and immediately turn west on Sweet Creek Road for 10.2 paved miles. Then take a paved turnoff to the right to the Homestead Trailhead turnaround.
GPS: 43.957993, -123.902240 – Sweet Creek Falls Trail – Mapleton, Oregon
If you are in or near the western side of Oregon make it a point to check out Sweet Creek Trail, you’ll be glad you did. We found this little gem in one of those vacation booklets I happened to pick up along the way. We are so glad we didn’t pass up this hike.
Sweet Creek Falls Trail Details
More details about this hike can be found here
Distance – 2.2 mile, Out & Back Trail
Approximate hiking time – 1 to 2 hours
Elevation at Trailhead – 341 feet
Skill – Easy, family-friendly
Trail – Well maintained dirt trail
Bathrooms – Vault toilet at Homestead Trailhead
Season to hike – Year-round
Fee– No fee or permits required
Pets –Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail
Be sure to check out our video above for more on this easy beautiful trail hike. We really enjoyed it and would most likely do it again if in the area. Its a great hike for a Sunday afternoon. Also, be sure to check out our Photo Gallery below, it contains all of the photos from our hike.
On the Road Again
Heading up to the northern part of the coast next towards Manzanita as our journey to Alaska continues. On the list to see while we are there is Nehalem Bay State Park, Rockaway Beach, Cannon Beach (always a must see) and then the sleepy village of Cape Meares home to the shortest lighthouse on the coast.
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