Grotto, Hemlock and Yakso Falls - Waterfall Hiking with Kids
When we set out for our day of waterfall hiking in the Umpqua we intended on hiking Wolf Creek Falls first and then heading up to Grotto Falls but some wayward GPS directions took us off the beaten path adding an hour of time to our day so we decided to leave it for another day and head up to Grotto Falls the first of three falls that also includes Hemlock and Yakso Falls.
GROTTO FALLS
The road to Grotto Falls was pretty rough; it took us almost half an hour to drive 6.4 miles from Little River Rd, the main forest road that connects to NF-2703, the road Grotto Falls trailhead is on. I would highly suggest at least a four-wheel drive vehicle because there are a lot of pot holes and make sure that your car isn’t too tall either, there were a lot of downed trees along the road. If our car had been much taller we wouldn’t have been able to make it underneath.
The Grotto Falls trail is an easy ½ mile total out and back climb to a waterfall that splits in two into a gorge that you can actually walk behind. There is also a cave behind the falls that Olivia swears cavemen lived in because of the clay soil found there; she made sure and marked her face to fit in with the locals. The rocks were a bit slippery so be careful! It was a great spot to cool off as it started getting a bit warmer as the day progressed.
FACTS
Height: 100 Feet
Trail: ½ mile out and back
SEE MORE GROTTO FALLS IMAGES
When you get back to Little River Road you will continue on until it becomes a pretty rough dirt road, keep going. It’s really a pretty drive, but super dusty! You will run into Lake in the Woods campground where you will park in the day use parking to go to the next two waterfalls. There are picnic tables and vault toilets (they were pretty bad so would definitely bring your own toilet paper and plastic bag to pack it out). You can also camp there for $10 a night no host.
HEMLOCK FALLS
The trailhead for Hemolock Falls is actually in the campground right across from campsite number one. Just walk up the road from the parking and you will see a trail marker on the right but no other identifier. The trail is a moderate hike to the falls taking you down a cool switchback trail offering an awesome vantage point as you headed down. There were both new and old growth trees and at the beginning of July the greens were vibrant. Once we got the falls it was nice and shaded and the kids had fun climbing around on downed trees. For the day it had the most mosquitoes so be sure to carry repellent with you!
FACTS
Height: 45 feet
Trail: 1 mile out and back
SEE MORE HEMLOCK FALLS PHOTOS
While I enjoyed all our waterfall hikes of the day, Yakso was my favorite and I think it was because the kids had so much fun there, so I guess you can say that I saved the best of the day for last!
YAKSO FALLS
The trailhead to Yakso Falls is right across the road from the entrance to Lake in the Woods campground. It’s a moderate hike that takes you through gorgeous green forest, crossing an enchanting bridge, past fairy homes and then down into a beautiful rock formation. At the base of the falls it’s a perfect spot to dip your toes; Olivia and Ilias did just that! The water was a bit cold but tolerable and if you balanced your way across the water there is a perfect sitting spot to take it all in.
FACTS
Height: 60 Feet tall
Trail: 1.4 miles out and back
SEE MORE YAKSO FALLS IMAGES
The Umpqua is such an enchanting place that you can spend weeks camping, exploring, hiking, and indulging in the beauty of southern Oregon and we feel like we have just scratched the surface. I guarantee you we will be going back to explore more. As always please make sure to Leave No Trace. We saw a lot of toilet paper left behind; that is so gross! Learn more about what Leave Not Trace truly means HERE.
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