This was a much better time of year of course as far as water flow, as compared to our last visit when it was a trickle. Its a beautiful (albeit short) walk in from the trail head...but truthfully it's quite a drive back in there just for this falls...especially when you consider how many stunning falls we have in the PNW. read more

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5 star hike, minus one star for noisy conditions. Less than 1 hour from Portland, this trailhead is about 17 miles west of Banks. The turn off, Beaver Dam Road, from Hwy 6, is well marked and you get lots of warning. Immediately on the right is a road crew area. There is a trailhead on the other side of that, but you can't park there. If you go straight though, and then make a left at the T, you'll come to a large parking area with potties, info, and another trailhead. You can see it as point of origin on the map I posted, this is where I set out for my 8.2 mile hike. I ended it at the trailhead by the work area. You could also turn right at the T and drive to any number of trailheads, including one that makes getting to University Falls a shorter walk. I prefer the long way. I took to the trail on Jan 3, during a break in the rain. It was very wet. Often there was water running directly down the trail, and it got deep enough to slosh over the toes of my boots. Mud was often 3" deep, or more. Large puddles on the trail you just have to walk through. No going around. Not a big deal since I had my waterproof hiking boots and merino socks. Just wanted you to know your converse high tops aren't going to cut it. It was about 45-48 degrees, and the sun broke thru a couple of times. Not very windy, so my merino base and lite mid were just right. Kept my shell open most of the hike. It was beautiful, truly. The river was kind of raging, all churned up mud and white rapids. The trail was well marked and easy to follow up and down the groves of trees. The two waterfalls were breathtaking, especially University Falls, which was as full as any photo I've seen. The water was definitely higher than usual. I loved every bit of the trail. And now the minus one star. There was constant noise from motorcycles and firearms. I don't want to editorialize about dirt bikes and hand cannons, but it was hard to immerse myself in nature with the omnipresent noise. There was no place on that trail where I couldn't hear it. The dirtbikes are thankfully not on the hiking trail. There is a separate trail system for that, and the tracks do cross sometimes so keep an eye out. For mountain bikes, you'll hear the dirtbikes. I have no idea where the shooters were, but they were close. No comment, not looking to have that discussion. It's just good to know before you get there what it will be like. Enjoy the photos. Here is a link to this location on AllTrails so you can check it out more if you think you'd like to give it a try. If you are in for dirt biking, I think you'll love it. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/university-falls-trail--4&ved=2ahUKEwiX-K-ikYHuAhWNv54KHb9VAMEQFjAQegQIKRAB&usg=AOvVaw3sWGn85abOsy97LikFomke read more

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