Upper Blumenthal Falls (Steve Hart)

Closeup of "Upper" Blumenthal (Steve Hart)

Lip of "Main" Blumenthal Falls (Steve Hart)

• Hikes including this location:
  • Cape Falcon Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
  • Arch Cape to Short Sand Beach Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)

• Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
• Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
• Latitude, Longitude: 45.76429, -123.97207
• Elevation: 40 feet
• Height: 60 feet

Description

TAKE HEED: The steep, unsafe user trails down to Blumenthal Falls are now closed off, with Danger signs posted. You can enjoy the lower tier of the waterfall from the north end of Short Sand Beach.

Blumenthal Falls is a small waterfall on Blumenthal Creek in Oswald West State Park.The water flow is low, and the creek almost dries up in the summer. On the plus side, it's very scenic as it first tumbles down a 15 foot rock face, then tumbles in three tiers directly into the sea. The base of the lower tier is visible at low tide from Short Sand Beach.

State Parks ranger Dan Blumenthal was shot at point blank range in Oswald West State Park campground in 1999. He was the first Oregon State Parks ranger to be killed in the line of duty. Nearby Kerwin Creek is named after his partner, John "Jack" Kerwin, who was critically wounded in the attack. Before Blumenthal Creek was named, the waterfall was known as Smugglers Cove Falls.

More Links

• Blumenthal Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey)
• Blumenthal Falls (World Waterfall Database)
• "Two Rangers Shot at Oregon St. Park (AP News Archive)
• "Murder at Os West" (Eugene Register Guard)

Contributors

• Stevefromdodge (creator)
• bobcat