Distance - Waterfalls without a hike, Rating - Worth the effort, Region - South Coast, Trips with 3 or more waterfalls

Coos Bay Wagon Road Falls

Posted by ilovewaterfalls on

The Coos Bay Wagon Road is one of four federally-contracted roads constructed in the early 1870s in Oregon, and the only one still in use. Several waterfalls are accessed from this road, all conveniently located within a mile of each other.

Lower East Fork Falls, Oregon
Lower East Fork Falls

We approached from the west, which is the easier direction from which to spot these small falls along the unimaginatively named East Fork Coquille River. The equally unimaginatively named Lower East Fork Falls is pictured above. Unfortunately, there is no adventure to be found at this first stop.

The next waterfall we found is not listed elsewhere as an official waterfall, but my family agreed that it must be ten feet tall, so I am including it. I shall follow the naming pattern somewhat and dub this one Little East Fork Falls.

Unnamed waterfall along the East Fork Coquille River, Oregon
Little East Fork Falls

Middle East Fork Falls does offer a bit of adventure. We found a way down to the river at the top of the falls, and from there made it down to the base of the falls. The photo below is much better than anything you can capture from the road.

Middle East Fork Falls, Oregon
Middle East Fork Falls. Do you see my son on the right edge of the photo?

The last waterfall of this set was a huge disappointment – or, more accurately, just plain disappointing since there is nothing huge about it. Waterfallsnorthwest.com admits that Upper East Fork Falls technically doesn’t qualify as a waterfall, but since it is recognized by multiple other sources, that database chose to include it.

Upper East Fork Falls, Oregon
Upper East Fork Falls

My family tried to argue that the little creek dropping into the river should be counted as a waterfall, but I just can’t do it. Upper East Fork Falls is disqualified in my opinion, and I will not be counting it in my official list.

If you are looking for a pretty drive on a historic road, with some roadside waterfalls thrown in as a bonus, the Coos Bay Wagon Road might be the right choice for you.

SUMMARY:

My rating: Worth the Effort (2 stars) (Waterfalls – 2 stars for Lower and Middle, 1 star for Little; Trails – N/A, Experience – 2 stars)

Distance from Beaverton: 3.5 hours southwest when approaching from the east. My directions below are from the west, which adds another hour and a half.

Nearest town: Sitkum

Nearest city: Eugene

County: Coos County

Length of round-trip hike: None, unless you bushwhack to the base of Middle East Fork Falls, which is only 500 feet round trip (approximately).

Best season to visit: It is not advised to drive the Coos Bay Wagon Road in the winter. Any other season should be fine.

Things to know: 

  • Several sections of the road are gravel, and it has a reputation for potholes. It was in fair condition when we visited in 2021.
  • The turnoff for Upper East Fork Falls (which I am not counting as an official waterfall) is suitable for a car, but not for a vehicle pulling a trailer.

Consider combining this trip with: Golden and Silver Falls

Toilet / Amenities: None. There is a small campsite at Upper East Fork Falls, but it is the definition of rustic.

How to get there:

  • I am providing directions from the west, since that is how we approached.
  • From Hwy 42 East in Coquille, turn left on Central Blvd.
  • After 1 mile, turn left onto Fairview Road.
  • After 8.3 miles, turn right onto Lone Pine Road. This road is extremely twisty!
  • After another 8.3 miles, turn left onto Coos Bay Wagon Road, also known as Sitkum County Line Road.
  • After 8.1 miles, in the tiny little town of Sitkum, turn right to stay on the Coos Bay Wagon Road.
  • Lower East Fork Falls is found after 4.6 miles.
  • Little East Fork Falls is about 800 feet farther up the road.
  • Middle East Fork Falls is another 0.35 mile, at a bend in the road.
  • If you want to check out Upper East Fork Falls even though I’m not counting it as an official waterfall, keep driving another 0.25 mile. As the road curves to the right, look for a turnoff to the left leading down to the river. 

Helpful websites:

 

 

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