The Oregon Coast has its share of stories about buried treasure and ships going down loaded with pirates plunder. One of the more often told stories takes place at Neahkanie Mountain, just north of Manzanita. It's been told so many times that no one is sure if there really were any "Pirates Plunder."
Not all of the treasures along this beautiful coastline are golden, but all are jewels. One such treasure is found hidden in a small valley some 25 or so miles from the beach near the almost deserted town of Mapleton. The name Sweet Creek Falls is misleading in that there are 11 waterfalls found within a mile of each other along Sweet Creek, a small tributary of the Siuslaw River.
Take the camera out of the bag, because this tiny area is full of scenics that would make any photographer worth his salt drool with anticipation. Here the water drops over lava rock shelves and between huge boulders, much like James Bond's Martini, "shaken, not stirred."
None of the falls are gigantic, some just a few feet tall. Sweet Creek Falls, itself, is the largest, but it surely isn't much more than 35 feet. This area does boast a feature that is found nowhere else in the State. Beaver Creek, a smaller tributary, drops into Sweet Creek about halfway through the hike, the only spot in Oregon where two streams come together,
both in waterfalls.
To get to Sweet Creek Falls from Florence, take Hwy 126 east to the town of Mapleton. Turn toward Eugene and immediately after crossing the Siuslaw River (It runs through town) turn right and follow the road about 10 miles to the parking area. From Eugene, take Hwy 126 west toward Mapleton and turn left just before crossing the Siuslaw.
The Parking area for Sweet Creek Falls is easy to miss, so be watching your odometer. It will be on the right side of the road.
For suggestions on cameras, hiking and camping gear, go to
RMKunlimited.com.
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