Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The W. M. Waterfall Preserve is a 1,600-acre private nature preserve located along the Little North Fork of the Santiam River in western Oregon. The preserve was established to protect one of the last remaining intact old-growth Douglas-fir and western red cedar forests in the region. Its varied landscape includes steep river canyons, moss-covered forest floors, and an impressive 70-foot waterfall that lends the preserve its name. The preserve provides habitat for a range of wildlife including black bears, Roosevelt elk, northern spotted owls, and numerous salmon species spawning in the pristine river waters. W. M. Waterfall Preserve is particularly valued for its conservation of riparian corridors and rare plant communities. It offers several marked hiking trails that lead visitors through dense forest and to scenic viewpoints overlooking the river and waterfall. Educational programs and guided tours help visitors understand the ecological significance of the area. The preserve’s commitment to conservation and low-impact recreation makes it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and immersion in an undisturbed Pacific Northwest forest environment. Visitors are drawn to the combination of old-growth grandeur, thrilling waterfall views, and opportunities to spot rare wildlife, making W. M. Waterfall Preserve a unique gem in Oregon’s network of protected natural areas.
