About Obsidian Falls
Obsidian Falls is a named waterfall in Lane County, Oregon, located about 16 miles southwest of Sisters. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the North Sister 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°10′07″ N, 121°49′04″ W (44.16873, -121.81782). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Sister Spring (spring, 0.1 mi), Glacier Creek (stream, 1.1 mi), and Little Brother (summit, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Linton Falls, 3.4 miles to the west.
More Photos
23 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Obsidian 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 Obsidian 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 Obsidian 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
Obsidian Falls holds a 5.0 average from 7 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Obsidian Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Sister Spring — spring, 0.1 mi
- Glacier Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Little Brother — summit, 1.3 mi
- Obsidian Cliffs — cliff, 1.3 mi
- Renfrew Glacier — glacier, 1.6 mi
- Collier Glacier — glacier, 1.6 mi
- Opie Dilldock Pass — gap, 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 44.16873, -121.81782. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Obsidian Falls
- Rainbow Falls, OR9.4 mi west
- Tamolitch Falls, OR14 mi northwest
- Koosah Falls, OR15 mi northwest
- Sahalie Falls, OR15 mi northwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Obsidian Falls located?
Obsidian Falls is in Lane County, Oregon, about 16 miles southwest of Sisters. Its coordinates are 44.16873, -121.81782 (44°10′07″ N, 121°49′04″ W).
What town is closest to Obsidian Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Sisters, 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 Obsidian Falls?
The closest is Linton Falls (3.4 mi west). Others within reach include Proxy Falls (5.5 mi), Indian Hole Falls (5.9 mi), and Honey Creek Falls (6.8 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Obsidian Falls?
Obsidian Falls appears on the USGS North Sister 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.