Oregon Buys Beloved Abiqua Falls Waterfall

The state steps in to acquire the privately-owned natural wonder and keep it open to the public.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The state of Oregon has approved $2.1 million to purchase Abiqua Falls, a 92-foot waterfall that has been privately owned but open to the public for over a century. The waterfall, located about 30 miles east of Salem, was recently put up for sale on the open market, sparking fears it could be closed off. The state stepped in to ensure the natural wonder remains protected and accessible to the public.

Why it matters

Abiqua Falls is a beloved natural attraction that has been enjoyed by generations of Oregonians. The state's purchase of the waterfall and surrounding land ensures this natural resource will remain open and accessible to the public, rather than potentially being closed off or developed by a private owner.

The details

Abiqua Falls has been privately owned by the Abbey Foundation of Oregon, a nonprofit that supports a community of Benedictine monks, since 2002. The foundation recently decided to put the property up for open auction, sparking concerns the waterfall could be closed off to the public. In response, Oregon lawmakers approved $2.1 million to purchase the falls and the surrounding land. The waterfall is known for its 92-foot vertical drop over columnar basalt cliffs and is reached by a rough, unpaved road and short, steep hike.

  • Abiqua Falls has been privately owned since 1908, when it was acquired by Mount Angel Abbey.
  • The property was transferred to The Abbey Foundation of Oregon, a nonprofit that supports the abbey, in 2002.
  • The foundation put the Abiqua Falls property up for open auction in early February 2026.

The players

The Abbey Foundation of Oregon

A nonprofit organization that supports a community of Benedictine monks and has owned Abiqua Falls since 2002.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The state agency that may manage the Abiqua Falls property after its purchase by the state.

Fred Girod

Republican state senator whose district includes Abiqua Falls.

Travis Williams

President of the Willamette River Preservation Trust, a conservation nonprofit.

Amanda Staggenborg

Communications director for The Abbey Foundation of Oregon.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, Willamette River Preservation Trust

“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, The Abbey Foundation of Oregon

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

— Fred Girod, Republican State Senator

What’s next

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will determine how the Abiqua Falls property will be managed going forward, whether as a state park or under the oversight of a local or tribal government.

The takeaway

The state of Oregon's purchase of the privately-owned Abiqua Falls ensures this beloved natural wonder will remain open and accessible to the public, rather than potentially being closed off or developed by a private owner. This move highlights the importance of preserving important natural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations.