{"id":357,"date":"2023-07-12T23:48:33","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T23:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitbend.com\/?p=357"},"modified":"2024-02-20T15:04:32","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T23:04:32","slug":"waterfalls-near-bend-oregon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visitbend.com\/journal\/waterfalls-near-bend-oregon\/","title":{"rendered":"Waterfalls near Bend, Oregon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nature’s cascading wonders await<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make a splash, and don\u2019t mist an opportunity to visit a waterfall on your vacation; they\u2019ll have you roaring with joy. How many waterfall puns can we make, you might ask? Well, I\u2019m not going to water this down for you \u2014 a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes Bend\u2019s waterfalls so magical? Maybe the musical spatter of droplets splashing over river rocks. The tickle of mist laced with green moss and fluttery fern. Or the raw power of water plunging without fear to the earth below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe it\u2019s all of the above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But one thing\u2019s for sure, no matter your fitness level, age, or enthusiasm for hiking, all are invited to have a blast exploring Central Oregon\u2019s waterfalls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Numerous beautiful waterfalls await you within a short drive from Bend. There\u2019s the stately, cascading Tumalo Falls with its 97-foot drop and trail system that winds among trees and past several smaller falls. You\u2019ll also find subtle falls like Benham and Dillon, where the churning Deschutes River stair steps gradually over craggy rocks and ledges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those eager to earn their views, discover tucked-away gems like Chush Falls on Upper Whychus Creek or Steelhead Falls, which serve as sparkling rewards at the end of a dusty hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When\u2019s the best time to explore Bend\u2019s waterfalls?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All year long!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summer is the most popular season for visitors. Warm weather and accessible trails make for excellent opportunities to embrace these cascading wonders. Springtime gifts us vibrant wildflowers and run-off that refills our rivers and makes for roaring falls. Fall and winter bring a change in seasons with golden foliage and crisp days to silent, frozen-in-time falls that glisten like a chandelier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what time of year, it\u2019s always a great idea to check conditions and make sure trails are open for hiking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to soak up some serious nature eye candy? Excellent!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a list of popular waterfall hikes in Central Oregon. From majestic cascades to gentle streams, these trails have got it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pro Tip<\/h3>

Keep in mind that others love waterfalls as much as you do, and trails can be packed in the summer months. Getting an early start can help, and you should always have a backup plan in case the parking lot is full. Don\u2019t forget to purchase a Northwest Forest Pass ahead of time; it\u2019s required at most trailheads.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

\"Taking<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tumalo Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tumalo Falls is Bend\u2019s most popular waterfall. At 97 feet tall, this splendor along Tumalo Creek fills countless Instagram posts with its majestic beauty. In the summer, the main viewpoint is just a few steps from the parking lot. Tumalo Falls Trail leads from the picnic area to a viewing platform above Tumalo Falls, about 0.25 miles upstream. About 1.25 miles further upstream, the trail reaches a second waterfall, Middle Tumalo Falls, a two-tiered cascade totaling 65 feet in height, and a tributary, Bridge Creek and its Bridge Creek Falls. Bridge Creek is within the city\u2019s watershed and provides Bend with drinking water, so the trail is only open to hikers. No dogs are allowed and be especially vigilant to practice Leave No Trace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opt to leave the car at Skyliner SnoPark for a mellower hike that winds through towering pine forests. During winter months, park at Skyliner and enjoy a pleasant snowshoe or cross-country ski to the peaceful, frozen falls. It\u2019s well worth it! You can reach the Tumalo Falls trailhead by driving less than 30 minutes from Downtown Bend, leaving lots of time in your day for other adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n