12 min
Overview
NOTICE: Trails in this area were affected by the 2020 Lionshead Fire. Please check current closures in the Mt. Hood National Forest before planning an outing. Once a signed trail listed on topographic maps, the Breitenbush Cascades Trail northeast of Detroit has fallen into disuse and obscurity, which is an absolute shame as the trail packs a mighty wallop. With fantastic views of Mount Jefferson and one of Oregon's tallest and greatest waterfalls flowing beside the trail, this might be the best short trail in the Central Oregon Cascades. The trail begins at a small pullout off of FR 4220, the rocky and narrow access road to Breitenbush Lake. Look for a sign that reads "Charlie's Falls" marking the trailhead. Ignore the trail branching off to the left; it leads down to the North Fork of the North Fork of the Breitenbush River above the falls. Instead take the trail leading out of the parking area south towards the sound of rushing water, very audible from the road. The well-defined trail contours straight ahead and then hooks a left and switchbacks down to the first tier of Breitenbush Cascades, a 30-40 foot drop visible through the trees to the left. You can walk right up to the water as it churns past several large boulders. Back on the trail, look through the trees for an outstanding view of Mount Jefferson, some seven miles or so to the south. Beyond this point the trail switchbacks again down to the second tier of the falls, another 30 foot drop into a narrow rock bowl. This is the lowest part of the falls that is reachable by trail, and approaching this tier requires a degree of caution. The trail becomes rocky and narrow with a steep section just before reaching the tier, and reaching the water requires scrambling over some large boulders. Here the trail ends at the base of the second tier of the falls. Looking over the brink will give you an idea of just how far down the cascades continue; you can see another tier, followed by another, followed by another. While the official height of the falls is un
Trail Stats
0.0 km
60 m
1395 m
0 m
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Photos
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Trail photo
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Trail photo
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