Oregon approves $2 million purchase of Abiqua Falls to secure public access

The waterfall drops 92 feet into a pool surrounded by ferns, moss-covered rocks and a basalt cliff

Oregon has approved a $2 million purchase of Abiqua Falls, ending concerns that the famous 92-foot waterfall could remain in private hands after its owner put the property up for sale earlier this year. The deal includes the waterfall and 160 acres of land in Marion County, with the state planning to protect the site and provide public access. The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved the sale from the Abbey Foundation of Oregon on Wednesday, KGW8 reported. The foundation had owned the property for more than 100 years and put it up for sale in February, raising concerns among members of the public and lawmakers about what could happen to the popular natural landmark if it went to another private owner. Abiqua Falls is located near Scotts Mills, east of Salem. The waterfall drops 92 feet into a pool surrounded by ferns, moss-covered rocks and a basalt cliff. People have visited the site for decades even though the land itself was privately owned. The agreement now moves the property towards public ownership. The purchase is expected to close around the end of 2026, according to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). The agency is also working on options for how the property will be managed and developed.

The sale of Abiqua Falls

The Abbey Foundation of Oregon, the fundraising organisation connected to Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary, had owned Abiqua Falls for more than a century. When the property was listed for sale in February, Oregon lawmakers moved to find a way to keep the waterfall in public hands. An earlier proposal reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting included $2.1 million for the acquisition. That proposal covered $600,000 for the Abiqua Falls property and $1.4 million for another 160 acres of nearby rapids and forestland owned by timber company Weyerhaeuser. The latest agreement approved by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission is for $2 million and includes the 92-foot waterfall and 160 acres of unmaintained trails. The Abbey Foundation said it was handing over responsibility for the site with the hope that it would remain accessible for future generations. "It is with deep gratitude and hope for the future that the Abbey Foundation of Oregon entrusts the stewardship and legacy of Abiqua Falls to the state of Oregon,” said Dr Amanda Staggenborg, director of communications for Mount Angel Abbey. "The beauty of Abiqua Falls will be enjoyed by generations of Oregonians and all those who love Oregon’s natural wonders," she added.

Lawmakers backed public ownership

The effort to acquire the waterfall received support from lawmakers from both political parties. They pursued the purchase through a general obligation bond to bring the property into public ownership. House Majority Leader Ben Bowman said the purchase would allow future generations to visit the waterfall themselves. "Today, we are making sure that our children and grandchildren inherit not just stories about Abiqua Falls, but the ability to stand there themselves," Bowman said. "This place should belong to all of us. Oregon owes a debt of gratitude to the Abbey Foundation for their century of stewardship, and their partnership in ensuring public access forever," he added. The move followed months of discussion about the future of the waterfall after its sale was proposed. Earlier in March, lawmakers had said several details still needed to be settled, including which state agency would manage the property and how public access would work.

State has to prepare the site

Buying the waterfall is only the beginning of bringing the property under state management. The land currently includes unmaintained trails, meaning the state will have to determine how the site can be managed and brought up to the standards expected of a public park. OPRD director Lisa Sumption said owning a natural site also means taking on the work needed to maintain it. "Abiqua Falls is a great example that parks are not just nature. It takes continuous staff, time and money for us to bring a property like this up to state park standards and keep it there," Sumption said. The agency has not yet announced a final management plan for the property. The state is expected to continue assessing how the land should be developed and maintained while working towards the completion of the purchase. Once the sale is completed, Oregon will take responsibility for the property and work towards ensuring that Abiqua Falls remains accessible to the public.