Cascadia State Park Hike

Overview

In 1895, George Geisendorfer came to a small mineral spring on Soda Creek seeking relief from a bad case of pneumonia. Drinking the waters proved so restorative that George purchased the land, constructed a sawmill, and built The Geisendorfer, a resort hotel. For a few decades, visitors staying at the resort could partake of the strong-tasting waters, indulge in tennis and croquet, and enjoy the gardens. The buildings were in a state of decay when the state bought the property in 1940, so they were removed. The state added other acreage to the park in subsequent decades. Visitors still came to drink the mineral water but then the spring was capped. However, Cascadia remains a lovely, leafy spot on the banks of the South Santiam River, and a couple of short walks allow you to take in its natural attractions of big trees, a tall waterfall, and the South Santiam River. From the picnic area, looking away from the river you’ll see three roads leading into the park. Take the road to the right, and walk down about 90 yards to a sign for Soda Creek Falls. A trail leads up to the left of Soda Creek under Douglas-fir, cedar, hemlock, alder, and big-leaf maple. Unfortunately, this creek bottom is also choked with blackberry. You’ll catch glimpses of the park’s campground to the left. Cross and recross the creek on footbridges, and keep right at a trail junction. Pass under mossy bowers of vine maple, hemlock, and Pacific yew. Some large Douglas-firs loom over the trail. Step over a tributary of Soda Creek, and pass more impressive Douglas-firs. The trail splits, with the branch to the right leading to the base of 134-foot, three-tiered Lower Soda Falls. Keep left to ascend to a large boulder and viewpoint to gaze at the falls splashing through rock crevices and spilling over a sheer face (Upper Soda Falls is half a mile north of Lower Soda Falls and outside the state park). The waterfall is rather slight most of the year, but plunges impressively in winter and spring. Return to the picnic area where your vehicle is par

Trail Stats

Photos

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