Just 30 miles southwest of Corvallis sits the Alsea Falls Recreation Site—a year-round wonder in the Oregon Coast Range foothills. There, surrounded by towering forests of Douglas fir and western red cedar—and along the banks of the South Fork Alsea River—you can enjoy mellow hikes, fish for salmon and winter steelhead, spend a night under the stars, and (of course) visit the dramatic Alsea Falls itself.
With so much to see, we put together a handy guide to enjoying your next trip. Here's how to make the most of Alsea Falls near Corvallis, Oregon.
Photo by Alison Smith
If you're visiting Alsea Falls, chances are good you'll want to visit the recreation site's star attraction: the 30-foot Alsea Falls, which tumbles over a rocky shelf in the South Fork Alsea River.
Good news: Those epic views are just a three- or four-minute walk from the parking area. Simply park at the Alsea Falls picnic area at the far northern edge of the recreation site, and follow a short trail (noted by a sign that reads "Alsea Falls"). After a couple hundred feet, take a fork toward the riverbank—you'll hear the waterfall from here and can see it through the trees—and you'll quickly arrive at the base of Alsea Falls.
If you'd like to extend your day outdoors, learn more about the 5.5-mile hike to Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls.
The mountain bike trails at Alsea Falls Recreation Site promise rollers, berms, rock gardens, hips, rock chutes, banked turns, and exposed root features for an exciting challenge through a lush, second-growth forest in the heart of the Oregon Coast Range.
The nine-mile loop we've outlined below—see the full Ride with GPS map here—features a gentle, yet steady grade with about 1,500 feet of total elevation gain, as well as exciting descents on flow-style trails. Learn more about mountain biking at Alsea Falls.
Photo by Reed Lane
Photo by Alison Smith
Spend a night in the midst of a lush forest—and along the banks of the South Fork of the Alsea River—when you go camping at Alsea Falls Recreation Site. The dog-friendly campground at Alsea Falls hosts 21 overnight sites with potable water, campfire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. No sites come with hookups, and a few riverside sites require a short walk from the parking area.
Sites are open from spring to early fall—typically late March or early April to early November. Rates run $15-$40, and reservations can be made up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis—and routinely fill up on midsummer weekends—so consider a midweek stay for a quieter getaway.
Prepare for a safe, fun, and memorable trip to Alsea Falls with these handy tips.
Here's how to plan a fun visit to Alsea Falls in all four seasons:
Summer: Enjoy warm afternoons and gorgeous days on the trail—whether hiking or mountain biking. Alsea Falls Campground may fill to capacity, so try to make advance reservations on Recreation.gov.
Fall: The campground closes by early November, when steelhead and trout fishing becomes a popular activity. Savor the fall colors in early to mid-October.
Winter: Fishing continues to be productive, but access to Alsea Falls may be impaired by snow and ice. Contact Visit Corvallis for the latest weather updates.
Spring: Alsea Falls is at its thundering peak (thanks to rainfall and snowmelt), wildflowers add color to the park's trails, and crisp afternoons make the site a popular day trip from Corvallis.
Fees are required at Alsea Falls. Here's what to know:
Day-use fees: A $5 day-use fee is required to visit the Alsea Falls Recreation Site. This can be paid with cash at the site (change is not available) or purchased in advance on Recreation.gov. You may also use a current America the Beautiful interagency pass in lieu of a day-use fee, as well.
Camping fees: Campsites generally run $15-$40, depending on the site, and can be reserved in advance on Recreation.gov. If booking a first-come, first-served site, you may pay with cash at the campground or via the Recreation.gov Mobile App.
There is no cell service at the campground, so you will have to download the app and set it up ahead of time.
Explore more of the countryside around Corvallis and Alsea Falls with these handy guides—brimming with family-run farms, savory wines, prolific fishing holes, epic wildlife-watching opportunities, and other fun getaways.
The William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge sits just 30 minutes from Alsea Falls. There you might spy some of the 230 species of bird that have passed through the refuge, Roosevelt elk, western pond turtles, and the occasional black bear. Learn more about the wildlife refuges of the Willamette Valley.
On your way to or from town, you'll pass through Corvallis farm country—where you can connect with the region's rich agricultural history. Extend your trip with a farm stay, sample award-winning wines, peruse massive herb gardens, and more.
Wherever you go in the countryside around Corvallis, plenty of producers showcase the flavors of the region through refreshing sips, locally source fare, fresh produce, and more. Learn more about exploring the Corvallis countryside—and start planning your next trip now.
