"MCDOWELL CREEK FALLS PARK AND COVERED BRIDGES" Sweet Home by mtncorg

Sweet Home Travel Guide: 12 reviews and 22 photos

Majestic Falls tumbles tossing mist and rainbows

When one thinks of waterfalls and Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge is first on everyone's mind. A series of waterfalls east from Salem - Silver Falls - might come second. Way down the list, you will find this little gem of a park hidden away in the hills north of Sweet Home. The park is a fairly small park, but contains four pretty waterfalls within a lush forested canyon, bigleaf maple dripping in moss, Douglas firs towering above. The Park is maintained by Linn County and is known to locals only, for the most part. There are three parking areas with the most developed picnic areas found at the first - westernmost area, signed for Royal Terrace Falls.

The Mtncorg tastes the waters at the Short Bridge

Besides McDowell Creek Falls, visitors have access to two large local reservoirs - Foster and Green Peter - as well as three covered bridges - one in active use. A wonderful hike on Cone Peak is included though that is quite a ways to the east on US 20.

Last visit to Sweet Home: Aug 2010
Intro Updated Aug 31, 2010
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Reviews (10)

Wildflowers atop Cone Peak and Iron Mt beyond - Sweet Home

CONE PEAK/IRON MOUNTAIN WILDFLOWER Things to Do (10)

The Cone Peak/Iron Mountain hiking loop off US 20 at Tombstone Pass - just west of the highway junction below Santiam... more travel advice

Mtncorg at the new location of the Weddelel Bridge - Sweet Home

WEDDLE BRIDGE Things to Do (10)

Dating to 1937, the Weddle Bridge crossed Thomas Creek not far from the town of Jefferson. It is similar in construction... more travel advice

Mtncorg investigates the Crawfordsville Bridge - Sweet Home

CRAWFORDSVILLE BRIDGE Things to Do (10)

Built in 1932, the bridge was bypassed by the neighboring concrete span in 1963 - though only after the original rounded... more travel advice

Mtncorg tastes the S. Fk. Santiam at Short Bridge - Sweet Home

SHORT BRIDGE Things to Do (10)

Because of its surroundings and the view from the banks of the South Fork of the Santiam River, the Short Bridge - named... more travel advice

Comments (7)

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hindu1936 Mar 11, 2006 at 3:09 PM

I think I have mentioned that I was raised and graduated from Sweet Home. nice to see the park again.
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Trekki Apr 20, 2005 at 11:37 AM

I want to take a bath in that waterfall NOW
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thecatsmeow Jul 17, 2004 at 9:50 PM

Well Mark once again you amaze me. I just got back from my class reunion in Sweet Home and I had forgotten all abot the falls. Very nice. =^oo^=
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KristaB Jul 9, 2004 at 1:46 PM

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow..." Lovely picture, bravo! I saw one beautiful waterfall two days ago, lavish forest and sunshine. Nature is amazing.
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Callavetta Jul 7, 2004 at 10:36 AM

What a great name for a place! And beautiful pictures. I'm adding this to my must visit list.
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annk Jul 2, 2004 at 6:05 AM

The little known about areas are my favorites. So nice to explore a place w/o crowds. Wonderful waterfall pics.
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Karolina01 Jun 30, 2004 at 10:19 PM

What a nise colorful photos! Regards, Karolina