Visiting Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint: Barr Creek Falls & Avenue of the Boulders
Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint is a beautiful, but small State Park located on the way to Crater Lake in Southern Oregon. A quick detour on our way to Crater Lake delighted us with beautiful views of Barr Creek Falls with a total height of 240 feet, but the largest plunge is 150 feet. Then meander down the trail to the avenue of the boulders where you can delight in small beach areas with black sand and boulders to traverse for unique views of the Rogue River.
Where is Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint located?
Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint Park is located just off Crater Lake hwy in Southern Oregon, about one hour from Medford and just outside Prospect, Oregon. There is a small parking lot with space for around 15 cars located at the location in the map below.
Address: 1001-, 1067 Mill Creek Dr, Prospect, OR 97536
Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint Map
Mill and Barr Creek Falls trail head:
The trail head begins in the parking lot at the location above. Once you park, you’ll see a large sign with the trails.
Barr Creek Falls: Follow the trail down hill for about 1/2 mile to the end and you’ll find multiple unfenced overlooks over the rim of the canyon. Not sure which direction to go? Follow the sound of the Falls!
Avenue of the Boulders: Once you’ve visited the Falls overlook points, head back to the main trail and continue about another 1/2 a mile to the Giant Bounders.
The trail markers are white and blue, but are sporadic.
Barr Creek Falls
Barr Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the canyon of Rogue River near Prospect, Oregon. The trail will lead you to a viewpoint to the Falls with 150 foot Fall into the canyon floor. The falls can range from overflowing to a small stream depending on the season. We were visiting in the Spring, so the falls were nice and full.
The Mill Creek Falls Trail is dog friendly and family friendly. Just be sure to keep an eye on the little ones because there are cliff-sides that are unguarded.
The Barr Creek Falls are stunning and there are multiple viewpoint areas from the cliff-sides. The best viewpoint is at the top of the hill just after the rock stair climb to the cliff.
Keep an eye on little ones because the cliff sides are dangerous and the rocks can be slippery. I didn’t see a trail down to the bottom of the Falls, but I have seen some hikes head down the river from the Avenue of the Boulders in order to get up close to the Falls.
Prospect State Airport is located just beyond the Falls. We lucked out with being able to watch a training exercise with one of the forest wildlife helicopters. It was stunning to watch the helicopter take off and land.
Avenue of the Boulders
The trail head breaks to the left off the Mill Creek Trail. You’ll see wooden post signs leading you to the Avenue of the Boulders.
The huge boulders located along the Rogue River were blown all the way from Mr. Mazama (20 miles away), which erupted almost 8,000 years ago and created the beauty of Crater Lake.
The trail changes from a tree lined dirt walkway to a smaller walkway between huge house sized boulders, stone stairs and winding paths. It will pop out onto a section of boulders that you can clamber over to reach the water.
Be sure to use caution in the Spring when the Rogue River is raging.
Be sure to discover the hidden beach areas with black sand and small tidal pools. There are small caves created from boulders stacked on each other and jump across the rocks over the river.
Recommended items to bring to enjoy the trails:
- Hiking Shoes
- Backpack
- Water/Drinks
- Snacks/Picnic
- Bucket/Shovel for Kids
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Cell Phone (Emergencies)
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Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint is a perfect place to visit on your way to Crater Lake or as a separate day trip. Pack a picnic and enjoy the power of nature and it’s beauty. You can also continue the adventure to Pearsony Falls.
Feel free to leave me a comment or message if you have any questions.
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