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Coquille River Falls is one of the most consistent waterfalls in all of Oregon. It's good at any time of year, high volume or low. It's very photogenic in the summer, and extremely impressive in the winter. The falls consist of two segmented tiers. The upper tier drops about 45 feet over a wide, uniform ledge, in three distinct block-type waterfalls. The lower tier drops about 65 feet in a pair of concaved horsetails. During the winter, the lower tier essentially becomes one large wall of froth, but it's still fairly obvious where the segments lay. When the Coquille River is running low enough, it's possible to scale the hillside to the right of the falls, above Drowned Out Creek, to reach the bottom of the upper tier of the falls. Small Drowned Out Creek Falls cascades into the Coquille at the base of the falls.
- Coquille River Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
The falls were named for the river, which is said to be pronounced both Ko-Kwell or Ko-Keel, depending on whom you ask. Evidence seems to point to the word having an Indian origin, but there is a possible influence from French-Canadian Fur traders as well.
Located in the Siskiyou National Forest. From the city of Coos Bay, follow Highway 101 south to Highway 42. Follow Highway 42 for about 21 miles, and turn right onto the Rogue-Coquille Scenic Byway, signed for the town of Powers. Follow this road, which becomes FR 33, for about 38 miles, to FR 3348, signed for Glendale. Follow FR 3348 for 1 1/2 miles to the trailhead on the left side of the road. The Coquille River Falls trail drops moderately steeply down into the canyon, and reaches the falls in 1/2 mile.
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