SALEM, Oregon: A spectacular waterfall in Oregon beloved by generations was recently put up for sale on Redfin.

Abiqua Falls, known for its 92-foot drop over a cliff made of column-shaped basalt rock, has been privately owned for more than 100 years but has remained open to the public. The property owner, a nonprofit that supports a community of Benedictine monks, put the waterfall up for sale earlier this year.

The waterfall is located about 30 miles east of Salem and around 50 miles south of Portland. Visitors reach it by traveling on a rough dirt road followed by a short but steep hike. The trail is so steep that previous visitors have placed ropes in some areas to help people climb.

The sale worried many people who enjoy visiting the natural site. Toward the end of this month's legislative session, lawmakers from both parties stepped in and approved US$2.1 million to purchase the waterfall and the surrounding land.

Travis Williams, president of the Willamette River Preservation Trust, said it is unusual for a waterfall to appear for sale on real-estate websites such as Redfin or Realtor.com without a listed price. He explained that many members of the public were confused and worried that access to the site might be closed.

In a statement, Fred Girod, a Republican state senator whose district includes the waterfall, said the state of Oregon was committed to keeping Abiqua Falls protected and accessible for future generations.

The waterfall was first purchased by Mount Angel Abbey in 1908. In 2002, ownership was transferred to The Abbey Foundation of Oregon, according to communications director Amanda Staggenborg.

Staggenborg said the organization eventually decided it was the right time to sell the property. She explained that many people had been hiking there, and while the foundation welcomed visitors, it wanted to make sure the land would be properly managed and cared for.

She said the foundation held an open auction for the property in early February, meaning no minimum or maximum price was set for bids. The foundation later accepted the offer made by the state through the bill approved by lawmakers.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department must now complete several checks before the purchase can move forward. Spokesperson Katie Gauthier said this includes reviewing environmental and archaeological information.

Gauthier added that the property will not necessarily become a state park because creating a new park would require additional funding. Instead, the land could be managed by a local government, a tribal government, or another state agency.

She explained that Abiqua Falls is a beautiful place, but it is very remote and difficult to reach. Because of that, officials are concerned that managing it could place extra pressure on the already stretched state park system, especially with current budget shortages.

Many people commenting on the Willamette River Preservation Trust's social media posts supported the idea of the waterfall becoming public land. However, some expressed concern that state ownership could lead to entrance fees and larger crowds.

Williams said the trust, which submitted a bid shortly after the property was listed for sale, supports the state's decision to buy the waterfall. He added that the place has a spiritual feeling and described it as extremely beautiful.