About Upper Black Bar Falls
Upper Black Bar Falls is a named waterfall in Josephine County, Oregon, located about 18 miles northwest of Merlin. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Bunker Creek 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 42°39′07″ N, 123°43′47″ W (42.65206, -123.72980). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Big Windy Creek (stream, 0.2 mi), Bunker Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), and Windy Creek Chute (rapids, 0.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Lower Black Bar Falls, 0.3 miles to the north.
Weather at Upper Black Bar Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Upper Black Bar Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Upper Black Bar Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Upper Black Bar Falls holds a 5.0 average from 1 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Upper Black Bar Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Big Windy Creek — stream, 0.2 mi
- Bunker Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Windy Creek Chute — rapids, 0.3 mi
- Plowshare Rapids — rapids, 0.7 mi
- Little Windy Riffle — rapids, 0.8 mi
- Little Windy Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- East Fork Big Windy Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Washboard Rapids — rapids, 1.3 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 42.65206, -123.72980. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Upper Black Bar Falls
- Taylor Creek Falls, OR14 mi southeast
- Coquille River Falls, OR15 mi west
- Elk Creek Falls, OR18 mi northwest
- Little Illinois River Falls, OR29 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Black Bar Falls located?
Upper Black Bar Falls is in Josephine County, Oregon, about 18 miles northwest of Merlin. Its coordinates are 42.65206, -123.72980 (42°39′07″ N, 123°43′47″ W).
What town is closest to Upper Black Bar Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Merlin, OR, about 18 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Upper Black Bar Falls?
The closest is Lower Black Bar Falls (0.3 mi north). Others within reach include Kelsey Falls (historical) (3.8 mi), Rainie Falls (5.7 mi), and Grave Creek Falls (7.0 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Upper Black Bar Falls?
Upper Black Bar Falls appears on the USGS Bunker Creek 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.