Shellburg Falls via Shellberg Road
Overview
This moderate out-and-back to Shellburg Falls offers a strong reward for relatively little work. The area was heavily burned in the September 2020 Beachie Creek Fire, but the forest floor has rebounded with thick ferns and moss. With much of the canopy gone, though, it can feel exposed and hot in summer.
The upper falls plunge about 100 feet over a basalt cliff into a wide, mossy grotto—easily the main attraction. The lower 40-foot falls are visible from the picnic area along Shellburg Road.
As of February 2026, the trail behind the upper falls remains officially closed, and there’s no other easy way to cross from one side of the falls to the other. Parts of the trail were rerouted after the 2020 fire, and some maps are not yet updated. Information signs at the trailhead show the correct realignment, as does the Oregon Department of Forestry online map: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/guides/shellburg-falls-trail-map.pdf
Approaching from the southwest includes a stretch along Shellburg Road and leads to the upper and lower viewpoints. Starting from the north at the Shellburg Falls Trailhead shortens the hike and skips the road walk, but you won’t be able to continue to the lower falls due to the closure.
Getting Started
Park at the junction of Fernridge Road SE and Shellburg Falls Road. Shellburg Falls Road is gated; walk or bike the road to access the falls. Bikes are not allowed on Shellburg Falls Trail.
The drive to Shellburg Falls Trailhead is convoluted due to gated closures of access roads, including Shellburg Falls Road and Lookout Mountain Road. The trailhead is accessed from the east. From the Santiam Highway, turn north onto Wagner Road. Continue north on Ayers Creek Road. The road is gravel and narrow, but in fair condition. Turn left onto Shellburg Road and drive south to the parking area.
The route to the trailhead is signed, but GaiaGPS can help with navigation, as there are many junctions and logging roads. Keep to the more obvious main road.
Taking Children
Nice hike for children able to complete some elevation gain.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
