Tumalo Falls Hike: How to Get There & What to Expect

Just 12 miles west of downtown Bend, Oregon lies Tumalo Falls, a beautiful 97-foot waterfall in the Deschutes National Forest. Here is everything you need to know before your visit to the falls, including when to go, how to get there and how to do the Tumalo Falls Loop Hike.

One of the major draws of Bend, Oregon is the easy access to outdoor adventures. Just 12 miles west of the brewery-lined streets of downtown lies Tumalo Falls, a beautiful 97-foot waterfall in the Deschutes National Forest. Situated on Tumalo Creek, seeing this towering beauty is one of the best things to do in Bend.

Since moving to Bend in 2019, we’ve visited Tumalo Falls countless times. In fact, it’s one of our favorite places to take visitors when they come to show off that incredible nature Oregon is known for.

In this article, we’re going to share everything you need to know about the Tumalo Falls hike so you can be prepared for your next visit.

Things to know before you go

Fee: $5 National Forest fee per vehicle; this fee is covered if you have an America the Beautiful pass.
Restrooms: There are 2 pit toilets located in the main parking lot
- Our experience: they were relatively clean and stocked with toilet paper when we were there, but no hand sanitizer
Crowds: This is a popular place and it often gets crowded
Parking: There is a main lot
Family friendly: Suitable for people of all ages
Dogs: Allowed (but must be kept on a leash)
Camping: Overnight camping is not allowed; but there are a few picnic tables near the entrance to the parking lot (as you cross the bridge)
Cell signal: Little to none. There is no cell service in this area, so be prepared to go off-grid for a bit! Insider
- Tip: Download the offline versions of Google Maps and AllTrails if you’d like to be able to access your maps.

How to get to Tumalo Falls

It takes roughly 30-minutes to get to Tumalo Falls from downtown Bend, so it makes a perfect day trip no matter how much time you have in town.

Head west of town on Skyliners Road until it forks into Tumalo Falls Road (to the right). It’s quite straightforward.

The last 2.4 miles is on a gravel road, and with our campervan, we needed to go slow (between 20-25 mph). There are a couple of pull outs for parking on the side of the road where we saw people gearing up with fly fishing gear or picnicking. We used the pull-outs to let people pass us a few times.

The parking lot is often times full, so you can park on the side of the gravel road (pay attention to signs so you know which side you can park on).

Best time of year to visit Tumalo Falls

The main entrance to the falls is open mid-May through October. During this time, it’s very easy to access the falls.

We’ve visited Tumalo Falls during every season and can honestly say, there is no bad time for the Tumalo Falls hike.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can visit the falls during wintertime and get a less crowded and more unique experience.

During the winter season (dates can vary), the gate at the main road will be closed to vehicle traffic. You can still access the falls by hiking the 2.4 miles to get there and back, and if you’re lucky, you may be rewarded with an epic snowy wonderland.

If there is a lot of snow, you may want to strap on snowshoes or cross country skis for the Tumalo Falls hike. This can be an epic adventure as long as you’re prepared to hike the extra nearly 5 miles round trip.

New to snowshoeing? We have a beginner’s guide to snowshoeing that’ll help you feel prepared.

Insider Tip: If you don’t have your own snowshoes, you can rent them in town at Gear Fix ($15 per day) or at REI ($22 per day).

Tumalo Falls Lower Viewpoint

Just a short distance from the main parking lot, there is a viewpoint where you can see the falls from afar in its true scale. This is a really nice view, and it’s just steps from the parking lot, making it very accessible for those who aren’t able to walk long distances.

Psst! Looking for more adventure? Check out this list of incredible Oregon waterfall hikes and see which ones you need to add to your bucket list.

Tumalo Falls hike to Upper Viewpoint

It’s roughly .5 miles to hike to the upper-viewpoint, and the path is clearly marked and well-maintained. There is a somewhat steep section, but we saw hikers of all ages. The path is rather short, so it’s not too difficult.

From this viewpoint, you’ll be able to see the waterfall crash down below and enjoy the serene valley before you. Truly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Oregon!

Our favorite part: Hike down to the falls!

About halfway up to the Upper Viewpoint, there is a trail that juts off to the right (on your way to the waterfall). Continue on this narrow path and you’ll walk right up to the falls. You can also hike down to the stream to get a view of the falls below.

Good to know: The rock and path in this area can get slippery from being in the mist of the waterfall, so watch your step and wear proper shoes.

Psst! We put together a comprehensive list of the best hikes near Bend, Oregon for every level and ability.

Want more hiking?!

Tumalo Falls Loop

Location: Deschutes National Forest, 15.7 miles west of Bend
Distance: 6.5 miles, out-and-back
Elevation: 583 feet
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
View the trail notes

If you have the time and you want to explore more, you can continue on from the Upper Viewpoint to the North Fork Trail. Return via the Swampy Lakes Trail for a 7-mile hike, known as the Tumalo Falls Loop, it’s considered one of the best hikes in Oregon.

This hike is less crowded and offers beautiful creekside views, wildflowers, and several smaller waterfalls all on a tree-shaded path. There is one river crossing on this trail, so be careful and take your time, as you can cross on a fallen tree.

How much time do you need at Tumalo Falls?

We’d recommend giving yourself 1 hour if you want to see both the upper falls and hike down to the waterfall itself.

We spent just over 1 hour and 15 minutes, and we took lots of pictures!

Don’t let the adventure stop here! Check out our completely guide to Silver Falls State Park for waterfalls, hiking and camping tips.

Responsible hiking tips

Don’t litter. Duh!

Pick up trash if you see some along the way. We try to think of it as our “payment” for being able to enjoy nature.

Stay on path so that you don’t erode the ground or trample on delicate plants. The trail is there for a reason.

Keep your dog on a leash as they can put other wildlife in danger or make other hikers uncomfortable. Also, it is a rule on this trail.

Psst! Looking for more outdoor adventures in Oregon? You’ll want to check out our ultimate guide to visiting Oregon’s Skylight Cave.

What to pack

Navigation: we recommend using Alltrails+ to download the offline trail map
Hiking daypack
Water bottle and/or bladder for your Camelbak
Bug repellant
Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses (trail is partially shaded, but you’ll likely get some sun)
Camera/tripod (this one’s our favorite for hiking)
Hiking layers (here is a great resource if you’re wondering what to wear hiking)
Rain jacket (if chance of rain)
Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
Hiking poles (optional)
Plenty of snacks: check out our favorite hiking snacks here!

Be sure to grab our ultimate hiking packing list includes our must-have gear for any hiking trail!

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We want to hear from you!

Have you ever been to Tumalo Falls in Oregon? What was your experience like? Do you have more questions about visiting the falls? Comment below and let us know!

Hiking, Oregon