About Platinum Falls
Platinum Falls is a named waterfall in Douglas County, Oregon, located about 16 miles southeast of Reedsport. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Loon Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 43°33′19″ N, 123°50′54″ W (43.55539, -123.84843). Historical sources also record the names Baker Falls and Bickford Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Baker Creek (stream, under 0.1 mi), Bickford Creek (stream, 1.1 mi), and Tom Fool Creek (stream, 1.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Golden Falls, 6.3 miles to the southwest.
USGS gazetteer description: Approximately 100 ft. high; in Elliott State Forest, on Bickford Creek just downstream from the confluence of Baker Creek and Bickford Creek; Sec. 23, T23S, R10W, Willamette Meridian
Name history: A descriptive name, relates to nearby Golden Falls and Silver Falls.
Weather at Platinum 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 Platinum 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 Platinum Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Platinum Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Baker Creek — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Bickford Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Tom Fool Creek — stream, 1.4 mi
- Soup Creek — stream, 1.4 mi
- Michigan Pass Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- Salander Creek — stream, 1.9 mi
- Lake Creek — stream, 2.0 mi
- Craig Creek — stream, 2.0 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 43.55539, -123.84843. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Platinum Falls
- Pidgeon Falls, OR12 mi southwest
- Smith River Falls, OR16 mi north
- Laverne Falls, OR23 mi southwest
- Middle Creek Falls, OR25 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Platinum Falls located?
Platinum Falls is in Douglas County, Oregon, about 16 miles southeast of Reedsport. Its coordinates are 43.55539, -123.84843 (43°33′19″ N, 123°50′54″ W).
What town is closest to Platinum Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Reedsport, OR, about 16 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Platinum Falls?
The closest is Golden Falls (6.3 mi southwest). Others within reach include Silver Falls (6.3 mi), Hewett Falls (7.8 mi), and Stulls Falls (8.0 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Platinum Falls?
Platinum Falls appears on the USGS Loon Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.