Brice Creek and Trestle Creek Falls – April 26, 2025

Hike Coordinator: Missy Kroeker

Narration by Missy Kroeker

Oregon waterfall hikes in the Spring! What could be better? On Saturday April 26 a group known as Friends of the Umpqua gathered to do just that. An Oregon waterfall hike. That day we were headed to Trestle Creek Falls. In my mind this hike is the quintessential Oregon hike with old growth fir, lots of moss, ferns, spring wildflowers and two waterfalls. It was the perfect destination for this spring day.

The hike I had in mind starts at Lund Park, follows Brice Creek, ducks into the lower falls then continues to the road at Champion trailhead. At the road the upper Trestle Creek falls trail traverses back uphill toward the upper falls where it passes behind the waterfall to circle back to Lund Park. It’s about five “ish” miles in total. Not too far, not too hard and thrilling in that you walk behind all that water pouring down over your head.

I had the romantic notion to bring along my 4 year old granddaughter and my 7 year old grandson. My grandson had hiked this same hike when he was 4, so my granddaughter should be able to do it. Right? Not so much! Right away she was “tired”, “thirsty”, “hungry” and her “foot hurt”! Everyone else in the group was zinging along the trail ahead of us and I was supposed to be leading the hike and helping the hikers take the correct trails at the junctions. I was frustrated with myself thinking this was a good idea to lead a hike and introduce my granddaughter to her first real hike.

We came to the first trail junction, and there was my husband and grandson waiting for us. My dear husband said, “You go ahead with Quincy (our grandson) and I’ll take Margot (our granddaughter) and “hike” with her. I’ve sent everyone in the right direction to the lower falls. You two can catch up and lead the hike”. I was so thankful for him. So that’s what we did. We waited at the junction to the upper falls for everyone else. The faster hikers passed us while we waited for the rest of the group.

I was sad that my young granddaughter would not enjoy the thrill of walking behind the upper waterfall. To my surprise as we rounded the last corner to view the upper waterfall, there was my husband and granddaughter waving at us standing on the trail behind the waterfall! I don’t know how he did it but he got her up the trail to the waterfall. Later he said she just rallied and chatted and enjoyed hiking to the waterfall. She even talks about going hiking again. Success!

I think spending time out in creation, particularly walking along enjoying the endless bounty of natural delights is one of my favorite pastimes. This love is something I want to pass along to my grandchildren. Everyone in the group was kind, engaging and encouraging to these two youngsters, and for that I am grateful. My grandkids ask about when’s the next hike. I definitely will be bringing them on other hikes, maybe just not when I am supposed to be the “leader”.