Leon Turnbull Photography

I was very ecstatic when I learned that the trail to Toketee Falls was open. This trail has been closed since the spring of 2008 when a huge storm pounded this area and caused heavy damage to the trail and viewing platform at Toketee Falls. I had heard that the trail was not supposed to open until next year, but I also knew of people who had gone in there earlier this year (at risk of a $5000 fine), and they had indicated that the trail had been completely re-built. I wondered about this. Toketee Falls was one of the main waterfalls that I wanted to see on my trip to Oregon. I’ve been wanting to see this one for years now. Would I risk a huge fine by going in there even though it was still closed? I don’t know if I would or not. With my luck, I would get caught and a $5000 fine is something I sure could not afford. Nonetheless, we stopped at the trailhead on our way past and lo and behold, the trail was open! Hoo yah! I was so excited and happy to see this! This trail now being open made the whole trip to Oregon worthwhile for me. It must have opened on Memorial Day. I was ecstatic. We would be one of the very first people in to see Toketee Falls (legally) in 3 years and this is probably one of the very first photos taken of this falls (legally) in 3 years.

Toketee Falls was flowing very heavily as well, due to all the recent rain. The river was just pounding down this gorge, an amazing sight. Toketee Falls certainly lives up to its name (“graceful”), but it was also very powerful with all the water flow.