After hiking to Strawberry Falls, we drove to Izee Falls (also known as South Fork Falls). The two waterfalls are close to one another only in comparison to the distance from anywhere else; the 67-mile drive takes almost 2 hours. But since Izee Falls is just a roadside cascade, it’s easy to visit both destinations in a day.
Izee Falls is an unimpressive roadside waterfall. There is a pullout near the top of the waterfall with room for 2 or 3 cars to park and easy access to the river, but there’s not much to see or do here.
The waterfall is best viewed from the side of the road, but you may have to squint to find it in our photos! The water volume was very low when we visited in August 2023, and the “best view” isn’t a close view.
More memorable than the waterfall was the terrain on the way there. This is a geologically unique part of the state, vastly different from western Oregon and just as beautiful in its own way! Izee Falls is on the South Fork John Day River Back Country Byway; we only drove a portion of this route, and it was remarkable.
We were excited to combine our vacation to these remote waterfalls with a tour of the Fossil Beds and Painted Hills. Highway 19 travels through the Sheep Rock Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and is another fantastic stretch of road to explore. We took advantage of several of the Monument’s trailheads to stop for sightseeing.
To be honest, though, we were underwhelmed by the Fossil Beds. The Visitor Center has plenty of fossils and is worth checking out, but there are no fossils along the hiking trails. So instead of looking for fossils along the hiking trails, just enjoy the awesome views.
There are three units to the National Monument, and again, proximity is relative. We drove from the Sheep Rock Unit to the Clarno Unit, and it took almost 2 hours! I’ll save you that time by letting you know: it’s not worth it. Feel free to skip the Clarno Unit.
Do not miss the Painted Hills Unit, however. It truly is stunningly beautiful.
I was surprised at how small the Painted Hills Unit is; I had assumed there would be more painted hills than there actually are. So do plan to visit, but don’t plan to spend all day here. You can easily visit the Painted Hills and the Sheep Rock Unit in the same day and still drive to your next destination.
Regardless of whether or not you visit Izee Falls, you definitely should visit this unique and fascinating area of the state.
SUMMARY:
My rating: Low Priority (1 star): Waterfall – 1 star, Trail – N/A, Experience – 1 star
Distance from Beaverton: 5 hours southeast
Nearest town: Seneca
Nearest city: Bend
County: Grant County
Length of round-trip hike: The best view only requires you to step out of your car, but if you choose to explore the top of the waterfall, you may walk a quarter of a mile in total.
Best season to visit: I assume this area gets snow every year; check road conditions if venturing out in the winter. The river level should be highest in spring, providing a more impressive view than we observed in August.
Consider combining this trip with: A visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument or Strawberry Falls
Toilet / Amenities: None
How to get there:
- Assuming that you will combine your trip with a visit to the Fossil Beds and/or Painted Hills, I will provide directions from Dayville.
- From Hwy 26 in Dayville, turn south onto South Fork Road, which becomes Forest Road 47.
- After 24.5 miles, turn right onto South Fork John Day Road.
- In 0.6 mile, the waterfall may be seen on your left. Continue to a pullout at the top of the falls and explore if you wish. Turn around and drive a short distance back to a small pullout on the right shoulder for the best view.
Helpful links:
oregonwaterfalls 
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