This iconic Oregon waterfall is up for sale. Here's what to know

Zach Urness, Salem Statesman Journal

Wed, February 4, 2026 at 1:22 AM UTC

3 min read

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One of the most iconic waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest is up for sale.

Abiqua Falls, a 92-foot cascade near Scotts Mills that’s graced the covers of magazines, newspapers and websites, was listed for sale, without a price, on Redfin on Feb. 2.

The waterfall is listed as the “defining natural feature” on a 40 acre plot of land for sale.

“Water features of this scale and prominence are almost universally public or protected,” the listing says. “Private ownership of a waterfall of this stature is exceptionally uncommon.”

The waterfall is owned by Mt. Angel Abbey, which has traditionally allowed public access in the remote area southeast of Silverton and northeast of Silver Falls State Park.

In a statement, the Abbey said its foundation worked with the Bureau of Land Management for nearly 10 years seeking to trade the Abiqua property "with a comparable 40 acre property more adjacent to the other timber holdings the Foundation sustainably harvests."

A trade never materialized, however, and "after some negotiation, the Foundation trustees sought to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities by offering the property for sale with the hope that the stewardship of this incredible resource could continue into the future with a new owner."

The waterfall’s popularity exploded during the 2010s with the arrival of social media, which has made the site tricky to manage. Multiple people have been injured there, including this past May, when a 22-year-old Utah man was rescued after leaping off the falls.

A few whitewater kayakers have also made news after plunging off the falls.

The listing notes that the property is zoned for forest, “a designation intended to preserve natural resources and limit intensive development. Ownership is best suited to buyers who value conservation, privacy, and long-term stewardship of significant natural land,” the listing says.

The listing also cites Oregon’s newly passed laws on recreational immunity that limit landowners from liability if people are injured while recreating, and didn’t pay to visit.

The Abiqua Falls property "is suited for generational ownership by families, foundations, or institutions seeking alignment with long-term conservation, stewardship, and legacy. This is not simply land with a waterfall, but guardianship of a natural landmark that has long stood apart within the Pacific Northwest,” the listing says.

It's not clear to what extent a buyer could develop the property.

In addition to the Abiqua Falls property, an additional 160 acres is also for sale on Abiqua Creek.

Public lands advocate Ryan Ernst said it was critical for the public to speak up so that the property remains accessible.

"We have an incredible opportunity to carry on what the Abbey has provided to the public," he said, adding that it would make sense as part of a state forest. "My hope is that the state can find a way to acquire this special and unique place where the public can continue to find nature and themselves.

"This is a time for the public to speak up for Abiqua Falls and hope we have some listening ears in high places. It would be a shame to see it fall into the hands of a private entity where access would be changed. We aren’t gaining any recreation sites but seemingly losing more and more."

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 18 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or 503-399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors and BlueSky at oregonoutdoors.bsky.social

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Iconic Abiqua Falls in Oregon is up for sale. What to know

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