Lower Soda Falls

From the junction of Interstate 5 and Highway 20 in Albany, follow Highway 20 east for 40 miles to the small town of Cascadia, and turn left into the well signed Cascadia State Park, then bear right after crossing the South Santiam River into the day use area and park. Find the trailhead where the road leading to the east picnic area crosses Soda Creek, and follow the easy trail for three-quarters of a mile to the base of the falls.Lower Soda Falls is one of the signficant attractions at Cascadia State Park east of Sweet Home. Soda Creek - a relatively small stream - tumbles 134 feet down a narrow recess in a large basaltic cliff in successive drops of 49, 39 and 54 feet. The uppermost drop falls at a 90 degree angle to the other two tiers, and the shape of the alcove into which it falls makes it difficult to see from below (especially during low flow periods). The small drainage basin of Soda Creek ensures that Lower Soda Falls is a relatively tame waterfall for the majority of the year. While the stream is perennial, it will be greatly reduced in volume during the summer months (though it certainly is possible that it could dry out entirely in drought years). During the wet season however, the creek will swell to modest proportions and ensure the falls appear quite significant as long as the ground remains saturated.Soda Creek was named for the presence of Soda Springs, which can be found near the day use parking in the state park. The falls were named to differentiate from Upper Soda Falls, which is found about half of a mile further upstream and outside of the park boundary. At one time the falls were known as Cascadia Falls, after the settlement of Cascadia, which included a former resort at the mineral springs of the park. The signs in the park refer to the falls simply as Soda Creek Falls.