The widely popular day use area in Deschutes National Forest is home to a 97-foot waterfall and draws a crowd from the near by town of Bend, Oregon.
About The Hike
Tumalo Falls is located in the Deschutes National Forest several miles back on a dirt road. The hike begins crossing a bridge over the Tumalo Creek where you get your first view of these grand falls.
The hike continues to the main trailhead where there are bathroom facilities and a double wide switchback trail with railings a quarter mile up to the top of the falls.
At the top of the falls you get a couple viewing platforms with views below to Tumalo Creek.
From the top of the falls the path continues up the creek towards Double Falls and can even continue further to complete a seven mile loop in the area if desired.
Most people come only for Tumalo Falls so don't let the crowds worry you if continuing on.
Getting To The Bottom Of It All
As the waterfall enthusiast you are, you know that the top of the waterfall is one of most lack luster views you can experience of a waterfall itself. The real glory is looking it head on and getting right up close and personal.
With Tumalo Falls you have a sick option to take unmarked trails that head towards the falls off the main switchback path and end up directly at the plunge.
The path is easy to find, a few offshoots from the main drag all meet together to the single path that heads towards the falls.
This path is by far the road less traveled and even on the most crowded of days at Tumalo, this path may be empty.
For example, I visited at around three o'clock on a Saturday afternoon and the parking lot was bumper to bumper and I was parked down the road. Only one other group of people in the thirty minutes I spent shooting photography braved the unmarked path.
The path is a little sketchy but not dangerous for those who adventure. You can even go right under the falls too!
Tumalo Falls and Double Falls:
Distance: 2.0 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Total Ascent: 321 feet
Getting There and Important Information
The trailhead is located outside of Bend, Oregon in Deschutes National Forest. There is plenty of parking along the dirt road leading up to the falls so you should never be left waiting on a spot.
There is a $5 day use fee for parking at this area.
No overnight parking or camping is allowed. You might be able to find primitive spots shortly up the road.
This hike is suitable for hikers of all ages.
Looking to explore more waterfalls in Oregon? Check out my guide to the Best Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge here!
Don't forget your day hiking essentials - See my list of 9 Day Hiking Essentials Other Sites Don't List here!
Hope you get the chance to check these falls out!
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Photography exclusively by Dan Oliver unless otherwise stated and cited. Embedded maps are provided by Embed Google Map (embedgooglemap.net) and map images shown are provided as stated and cited.
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This website is provided for entertainment purposes only, and is not meant to serve as an instructional guide, or present itself as an authority for any of the locations written about. The locations mentioned, written, and photographed herein are nothing more than my personal adventure archive. If you are interested in visiting any locations you should not depend on the information in this website to plan any excursions. You should research a wide variety of informational sources, websites, hiking guide books and maps found elsewhere. Many locations are dangerous and potentially illegal to access which can lead to fines, injury or death even when prepared. I do not encourage anyone to trespass or put themselves or others in way of harm. This website, and therefore its’ owner/author, cannot assume any responsibility for anything you may incur while hiking or exploring any of these locations or anywhere on planet earth. Thank you for viewing!
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