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Golden Falls is, quite likely, the most impressive waterfall in the Coast Range of Oregon. Though Glenn Creek does exhibit moderately seasonal behavior (as do most streams of comparable size in this area), in the winter, a rather large amount of water flows over this impressive waterfall, creating quite a cloud of spray under the right conditions. There seemed to have been a big question mark around the true height of this waterfall for some time. Some sources placed it at 125-150 feet tall, others went as high as 325 feet. With assistance of topographic maps, I believe I've come up with a relatively accurate figure, of 200 feet, plus 40 feet of steep talus cascades just below. The falls are located within a rustic state park, adorned by a small trail system and a nice picnic area at the trailhead.
- Golden Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
The falls were named after Dr. C.B. Golden, the first Grand Chancellor of the Oregon Knights of Pythias, not after the golden-tinted rocks around the falls as many may think.
Located in Golden and Silver Falls State Park, east of Coos Bay. From downtown Coos Bay, follow Highway 101 south to the signed turn for Eastside, Coos River and the park. Turn left here, and proceed 24 miles to the end of the road, following signs, first for the town of Alleghany, then for the state park, at all major junctions. Once at the park, there are two trails which lead to the falls. To reach the base of the falls, cross the footbridge over Silver Creek, and proceed to the base of the falls in about 7 minutes. To reach the top of the falls, take the left fork after crossing Silver Creek, which climbs to a wide, natural ledge along the cliffs at the top of the falls, in about 8/10 of a mile. There are no guardrails here, so the squeamish and uneasy should stay away from the edges.
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