Oregon approves $2 million purchase of Abiqua Falls near Scotts Mills

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission approved a $2 million purchase of Abiqua Falls and surrounding land near Scotts Mills.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission approved the acquisition Sept. 23. State officials expect the sale to close near the end of the year and will present an update on management and development plans in November.

The purchase includes the 40-acre waterfall property for $600,000 and a nearby 160-acre property owned by Weyerhaeuser for $1.4 million.

The larger tract includes the road visitors use to reach the waterfall’s trailhead.

Why was Abiqua Falls put up for sale?

The 92-foot waterfall drops over a columnar basalt cliff into a pool below.

Mount Angel Abbey acquired the property in 1908 and transferred it to the Abbey Foundation of Oregon in 2002. Visitors have continued to access the privately owned land with the owners’ permission.

The foundation listed the property for sale in February. A spokesperson said the foundation wanted to ensure appropriate stewardship as people continued to hike on the property.

Concerns that a new owner could restrict access prompted Oregon lawmakers to approve funding for the purchase in March.

What would the purchase mean for visitors?

The acquisition would move the falls into public ownership, supporting the state’s goal of maintaining access.

Officials still need to determine who will manage the property and how much development it can support.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is working with Marion County and the Oregon Department of Forestry to assess those options. The commission requested an update in November before the transaction is finalized.

Can people still visit Abiqua Falls?

Visitors have continued to reach the falls under the existing access arrangement.

The roughly 0.8-mile round-trip hike is short but steep and often muddy, with ropes tied along sections of the route to help hikers navigate the descent. The road to the trailhead is also rough.

The purchase approval does not provide a timeline for trail repairs, road improvements, or new facilities. Those decisions will depend on the management plan and available funding, which parks officials expect to discuss at the November meeting.