Stasel Falls

Stasel Falls the largest waterfall in the Stout Creek drainage. The falls consist of two tiers - each dropping about 55 feet - separated by a small pool. The standout feature of this waterfall, however, is the basalt formations which frame the falls. The left side of the falls is flanked by an ominous looking pillar of free-standing basalt, which actually rises out of the pool between the two tiers. Standing at the top of the falls, one can peer down into the pool, and see that the pillar is separated from the cliff face by a good 3-5 feet. When Stout Creek is running at its fullest, the stream actually separates around this pillar, and creates a segment to the lowest tier of the falls. This second segment only persists during periods of high flow, and is otherwise dry. Reports as of February 2020 indicate that the falls are no longer accessible to the public. Though the former road which passes near the top of the falls is located on land owned by the State of Oregon, and just past the falls the land belongs to Longview Timber (Weyerhauser), the waterfall itself is situated on private land, and there doesn't appear to be a way to view the falls without trespassing. If you encounter Posted or No Trespassing signs when attempting to visit the falls, please be respectful of the landowners wishes and do not continue.Stout Creek was named for Ephraim Stout and his son Lewis, who constructed and operated a sawmill along the creek near its confluence with the North Santiam River in 1852. Its unknown where the name Stasel originates from. The USGS has fueled confusion over this waterfall by labeling it both Stasel Falls and Stout Creek Falls at times. This is an issue because Horseshoe Falls about a mile upstream has also been called Stout Creek Falls, and a third waterfall even further up the creek is the one that is most commonly called Stout Creek Falls, though the USGS doesn't recognize it as a named feature.