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Postcards of a pretty waterfall along the Little Nestucca River led me on an internet goose-chase that turned up empty, but revealed a pair of small waterfalls. Upton Falls was historically the upstream limit of migration for native fish, but the falls have been altered and the current layout consists of a fish ladder and a small pourover dam to divert the water to the ladder. There is a great swimming hole downstream of the falls, but as far as a waterfall goes, this one is definitely only of interest to collectors. The waterfall as it originally was most likely was similar to Stella Falls, located a mile upstream.
- Upton Falls is the Historical name of this waterfall.
The falls apparently were named for James B. Upton, a nearby homesteader who owned and operated a farm in the area.
Upton Falls occurs adjacent to the Little Nestucca Highway, just over 3 miles inland from Highway 101. The falls may be somewhat difficult to see for eastbounders. Parking is available for only a few cars. Scramble paths lead down from the road to the river, but they are steep and unstable in many cases, so exercise caution if you decide to get closer.
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