Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint |
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Mill Creek Falls
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| Location | Prospect, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 42°44′16″N 122°29′43″W / 42.7378°N 122.4954°W |
| Type | Plunge |
| Total height | 173 ft (53 m) |
| Number of drops | 1 |
| Average flow rate |
100 cu ft/s (3 m3/s) |
Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint is a special state park located south of the town of Prospect. You can find it on Oregon Route 62 in Jackson County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. This park used to be known as the Mill Creek Falls Scenic Area. It was a private hiking spot created by a company called Willamette Industries, right along the Rogue River.
The park is home to two amazing waterfalls: Mill Creek Falls and Pearsony Falls. Barr Creek Falls is also very close by. Long ago, in the 1920s, a hydroelectric dam was built here. This dam changed the flow of the river, revealing many large boulders. These huge rocks became a popular sight, now known as the Avenue of the Giant Boulders.
Exploring Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint
This park is a fantastic place to explore nature and see some incredible waterfalls. It's managed by the state of Oregon, meaning it's open for everyone to enjoy. The trails here offer great views and a chance to learn about the area's natural history.
Mill Creek Falls: A Tall Wonder
Mill Creek Falls is a main attraction within the park. A walking path, first built by Boise Cascade, leads you to a fork. If you go left, you'll find the Avenue of Boulders. If you go right, you'll head towards Mill Creek Falls and Barr Creek Falls.
Mill Creek Falls is a very tall waterfall, dropping 173 feet! It's one of the highest waterfalls in Oregon. The water from Mill Creek flows into the Rogue River nearby. Sometimes, you might see trees around the waterfall that look burnt. This is because the area has had natural fires, often started by lightning, in the past.
Barr Creek Falls: Three Drops of Beauty
As you follow the trail towards Mill Creek Falls, you'll also discover Barr Creek Falls. This waterfall is sometimes called Bear Creek Falls. It has three separate drops, with water falling a total of 240 feet! The tallest and last drop is an impressive 150 feet. The name "Barr Creek Falls" comes from a cattle bar that used to be near the waterfall. This bar helped keep cattle from wandering off private ranches next to the river.
