Oregon Lawmakers Approve $2.1M to Buy Iconic Abiqua Falls

The privately-owned waterfall was recently listed for sale on Redfin, sparking concerns it could be closed off from public access.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:18pm

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The state of Oregon has approved $2.1 million to purchase Abiqua Falls, a beloved 92-foot waterfall that was recently put up for sale on Redfin by its private nonprofit owner. The move comes after concerns were raised that the waterfall, which has been open to the public for over a century, could be closed off if purchased by a private buyer.

Why it matters

Abiqua Falls is a popular natural attraction in Oregon that has been accessible to the public for generations. The state's decision to purchase the waterfall and surrounding land ensures it will remain open and protected for continued public enjoyment.

The details

Abiqua Falls, known for its dramatic 92-foot vertical drop over columnar basalt, has been privately owned by the Abbey Foundation of Oregon, a nonprofit that supports a community of Benedictine monks, since 2002. The foundation recently listed the property for open auction, sparking concerns that the waterfall could be purchased and closed off to the public. In response, Oregon lawmakers approved $2.1 million to acquire the falls and surrounding land, ensuring it will remain open and accessible.

  • Abiqua Falls has been privately owned since 1908 when it was acquired by Mount Angel Abbey.
  • The Abbey Foundation of Oregon, a nonprofit that supports the abbey, took ownership of the falls in 2002.
  • The foundation listed the property for open auction in early February 2026.
  • In March 2026, Oregon lawmakers approved $2.1 million to purchase Abiqua Falls.

The players

Abiqua Falls

A 92-foot waterfall in Oregon known for its dramatic columnar basalt cliff.

Abbey Foundation of Oregon

A nonprofit organization that has owned Abiqua Falls since 2002 and recently listed it for sale.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The state agency that must complete due diligence before the purchase of Abiqua Falls can be finalized.

Willamette River Preservation Trust

A conservation nonprofit that submitted a bid to purchase Abiqua Falls after it was listed for sale.

Fred Girod

Republican state senator whose district includes Abiqua Falls.

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What they’re saying

“It's not every day where you see a waterfall come up for sale on Redfin or Realtor.com with no price. The public was really confused and fearful that the site would be closed off.”

— Travis Williams, President of the Willamette River Preservation Trust

“Oregon is pledging that Abiqua Falls will continue to be protected and accessible for generations to come.”

— Fred Girod, Republican state senator

“We just realized that it was time. There were a lot of people that were hiking on the property, and while we welcome that, we wanted to ensure that the proper stewardship was overseeing it.”

— Amanda Staggenborg, Communications director, Abbey Foundation of Oregon

What’s next

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department must complete due diligence, including reviewing environmental and archaeological information, before the purchase of Abiqua Falls can be finalized.

The takeaway

The state of Oregon's decision to purchase the iconic Abiqua Falls ensures this beloved natural wonder will remain open and accessible to the public for generations to come, preserving an important natural resource and outdoor recreation destination.