About South Falls
South Falls is a named waterfall in Marion County, Oregon, located about 7.5 miles northeast of Sublimity. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Drake Crossing 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°52′44″ N, 122°39′32″ W (44.87883, -122.65899). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include North Fork Silver Creek (stream, 0.5 mi), South Fork Silver Creek (stream, 0.8 mi), and Howard Creek (stream, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Lower South Falls, 0.5 miles to the north.
Waterfall surrounded by forest, tumbling over an overhanging rocky ledge into a pool.
USGS gazetteer description: The falls have a vertical drop of 177 feet.
More Photos
460 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at South Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at South Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of South Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
South Falls holds a 5.0 average from 86 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of South Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- North Fork Silver Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
- South Fork Silver Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
- Howard Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
- Smith Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 44.87883, -122.65899. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near South Falls
- Twin Falls, OR1.2 mi east
- North Falls, OR1.8 mi east
- Upper North Falls, OR2.2 mi east
- Drift Creek Falls, OR2.7 mi northwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Falls located?
South Falls is in Marion County, Oregon, about 7.5 miles northeast of Sublimity. Its coordinates are 44.87883, -122.65899 (44°52′44″ N, 122°39′32″ W).
What town is closest to South Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Sublimity, OR, about 7.5 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near South Falls?
The closest is Lower South Falls (0.5 mi north). Others within reach include Winter Falls (1.0 mi), Drake Falls (1.0 mi), and Middle North Falls (1.0 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows South Falls?
South Falls appears on the USGS Drake Crossing 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.