Visiting Tumalo Falls in Oregon | OK Which Way

 

Visiting Tumalo Falls in Oregon

 

Lying within the Deschutes National Forest, Tumalo Falls is about 25 minutes west of Bend, Oregon. The day use area with picnic areas and a restroom is managed by the US Forest Service. The falls viewpoints are along the North Fork Trail, which then continues on passed a few smaller waterfalls to Happy Valley.

Tumalo Falls North Fork trail sign | OK Which Way

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Know Before You Go

Parking: There is a parking lot near the falls, but it is small and not designed for larger vehicles. Additional parking is allowed on one side of the gravel road right before the parking lot. In the winter, the gate is closed and parking is a couple miles from the falls.
Fees: $5/car. Both the Northwest Forest Pass and the America the Beautiful Pass are accepted. There is a fee station on site, however it was unusable when we visited. click here to see current fee pricing
Elevation: about 5000 feet
Winter: The main parking lot will not be accessible in winter
Map: Tumalo Trail System

 

Getting There

It’s a fairly easy drive to the falls from Bend, heading towards the Cascade mountains. The last few miles are on a gravel forest road, which means you are surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Along the way, you will see a pay station on the right side of the road to get your parking pass. Not far further up the road is the parking lot, which is most likely going to be full – but you can also park on the side of the road. During winter months, the parking lot will not be an option and cars park a couple miles back down the road.

 

Tumalo Falls in Oregon ForestvRoad 4603 | OK Which Way

 

This bridge overlooking Tumalo Creek is located near the day use area and trailhead.

 

Tumalo Creek near Bend | OK Which Way

 

 

 

Tumalo Falls Lower Viewpoint

The lower viewpoint is quite close to the parking area and provides a great view of the falls.

 

Visiting Tumalo Falls near Bend | OK Which Way

 

 

Tumalo Falls Upper Viewpoint

About a quarter mile walk uphill from the lower viewpoint is the upper viewpoint. Both views are great, but somehow it’s just more fun going to the top.

The falls are the star of this show, but the view of the gorge is just as impressive.

 

Hiking Tumalo Falls near Bend | OK Which Way

 

Tumalo Creek in Oregon | OK Which Way
Tumalo Creek

 

Tumalo Falls Deschutes National Forest in Oregon | OK Which Way

 

 

True Story

 

As my boys, their friend, and I were chatting about the amazing view, we heard an extremely loud ka-BOOM. A tall snag had snapped landing across the creek. It came out of nowhere without any indication it was falling. Thankfully, noone was near the base of the falls at the time.

 

Visiting Tumalo Falls in Bend Oregon | OK Which Way
The photo on the left with the snag standing. A few minutes later, the photo on the right shows the snag lying across the creek.

 

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Visiting Tumalo Falls in the Deschutes National Forest near Bend, Oregon | OK Which Way

 

 

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