Home › Oregon › Lebanon › McDowell Creek Falls County Park
McDowell Creek Falls County Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,351 Google reviews · Running trail in Lebanon, Oregon · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from McDowell Creek Falls County Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Loop trail featuring up close views of multiple cascades.
What runners say about McDowell Creek Falls County Park
“Not to mention it’s one of the most beautiful places to photograph!”
“There are several trails and small waterfalls to check out, and most are pretty easy to navigate.”
“Easy hike with a couple lovely waterfalls.”
Absolutely gorgeous spot for a hike. We were able to get up close to all three waterfalls, and the views were well worth it. The weather was chilly, but that didn’t stop people from being out on the trails. We felt safe the entire time.
The trail out of the main parking lot is great and easy until you make it to the stairs. The stairs are a little intense but doable with a toddler on my shoulders. The lower bridge has the best view of the falls. The top of the stairs makes you appreciate the height of the falls.
Great place to go for a hike, no parking fees. It wasn't easy but it's not the hardest either, I was in a group with a bunch of kids and they all managed it and had fun as well. There are toilets at the parking lot and some stairs on the route.
This was a fantastic hike! Parking was tough on the weekend, so come early or find parking in one of the lots other than the main lot. It loops around, so you can see all the falls regardless of what parking lot you choose, however, bathrooms only at the main entrance lot.
Trail conditions & character
“Lots of picnic tables and you can hike down to almost all of the waterfalls if you're feeling frisky.”
“Parking was tough on the weekend, so come early or find parking in one of the lots other than the main lot.”
“Be prepared for the incline; at certain points, you're looking at what feels like 30 flights of stairs straight up.”
“I recommend bringing a good camera for the beautiful views and some trusty hiking boots as it can get muddy and a bit slippery.”
“The falls themselves are spectacular and offer a great variety of views throughout the loop.”
“It loops around, so you can see all the falls regardless of what parking lot you choose, however, bathrooms only at the main entrance lot.”
Plan your run at McDowell Creek Falls County Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitelinnparks.com
- Phone(541) 967-3917
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Lebanon
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ashbrook Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 100 reviews
Kid-friendly green space featuring benches, swings and a playground.
Sankey Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 545 reviews
Well-kempt green space featuring a covered bridge and a playground with swings.
Marks Slough Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 107 reviews
Looping and clean riverfront trails for walking and biking, with benches for resting.
Santiam State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 74 reviews
National forest featuring kid-friendly hiking trails and a waterfall.
Timber Linn Memorial Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 988 reviews
Grassy park featuring a veterans memorial, athletic fields & a playground, plus a lake for fishing.