Often overlooked by the crowds headed for Silver Falls State Park (Hike #2), this “hidden” waterfall just outside the park is nearly as dramatic. A kid-friendly trail ducks behind Shellburg Falls’ 100-foot curtain of water. Unlike Silver Falls, however, this area requires no parking fee and allows hikers with dogs.

A small campground has a shortcut route to Shellburg Falls, but the long, gravel access road to this upper trailhead is sometimes gated closed. It’s much more convenient to park at the trailhead on a paved road near Mehama, and the slightly longer walk is pleasant.

To find the lower trailhead . . .

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes : Central Oregon Cascades