Alsea & Green Peak Falls

Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls, located in the Oregon Coast Range west of Monroe, offer hikers a scenic 2.4-mile out-and-back trail featuring two beautiful waterfalls amid lush forest scenery. The hike begins at the Alsea Falls Recreation Area trailhead and winds through Douglas fir, cedar, and maple forests to reach the cascading waters of Green Peak Falls.

Trail Summary

Trailhead: Alsea Falls Recreation Site

Length: 5.5 Miles Round Trip

Elevation: 760 ft. Gain

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Surface Conditions: Slippery Rocks near Alsea Falls

Featured Landmark: Alsea Falls

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Trailhead Directions and Parking

The Alsea Falls Recreation Site trailhead is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Corvallis. To reach it, take Highway 99W south from Corvallis for about 15 miles, then turn west onto Alpine Road. Continue for 14 miles, following signs to Alsea Falls Recreation Site. The day-use parking area is 0.5 miles past the campground entrance.

Parking requires a $5 day-use fee or a valid recreation pass (BLM Northwest Oregon Pass or America the Beautiful Pass)
The parking lot can fill up on busy days, especially during summer weekends
Limited cell phone service is available in the area, so download maps or directions in advance
The day-use area is open year-round, while the campground operates from mid-May to September 30th

When visiting during the off-season (October to mid-May), the gate to the day-use area may be closed. In this case, park to the side of the gate without blocking it.

Scenic Highlights and Waterfalls

The Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls trail offers two stunning waterfalls as its main attractions:

Alsea Falls: A 30-foot cascade on the South Fork Alsea River, easily accessible near the trailhead
Green Peak Falls: A more impressive 45-foot waterfall on Peak Creek, reached after a 1-mile hike through lush forest

The trail winds through beautiful Coast Range scenery, featuring:

Old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar forests
Moss-draped yews and big-leaf maples
Lush understory of Oregon grape, sword ferns, and wild ginger
Scenic views of the South Fork Alsea River

Best visited from late fall through mid-summer when water flows are highest. The area is known for its vibrant fall foliage in October. Numerous spots along the river and near the falls provide ideal locations for picnicking or simply enjoying the natural beauty.

MONROE

Trail Conditions and Hazards

The trail to Alsea and Green Peak Falls is generally well-maintained but can present some challenges:

Sections of the trail can become muddy and slippery, especially after rain or during winter months
Some steep areas with stairs require caution, particularly when wet
Poison oak is present along parts of the trail, so stay alert and stick to the main path
The rocks around the waterfalls are often wet and extremely slippery – exercise extreme caution if approaching the water’s edge

Trail conditions are typically best from late spring through early fall. However, visiting in winter or early spring offers the chance to see the waterfalls at their most powerful, though hikers should be prepared for muddy and potentially hazardous conditions. Always wear appropriate footwear with good traction and consider using trekking poles for added stability on slippery surfaces.

Sources:

BLM, Oregon Hikers, recreation.gov, Hike Oregon, Visit Corvallis

All Trails, Oregon is for Adventure, Willamette Valley

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