The Swiftwater Trailhead is the official access point for the first of 11 segments of the 79-mile North Umpqua Trail from west to east. Parking is available, and there is a posted sign with up-to-date trail information. Access to the trailhead is free to the public. There is no restroom here, and the water source along the trail comes only from the Umpqua River, so bring a filter or pack plenty of water.
From this trailhead, the Deadline Falls Overlook Trail branches off in a quarter-mile loop, leading to a viewpoint of the falls. For an even better view, continue along the trail for just under a 1/4 mile (.3 km).