Are there fees or permits required for Big Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Big Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Big Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Big Falls.

Live Conditions · 176 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Big Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Big Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Big Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 23 other waterfalls also named Big Falls, see below

Deschutes River Segment D WSR · DESG

Photo Credits (5)

2WheelTravlr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

TomCollins CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

niiicedave CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

acase1968 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

.aditya. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Big Falls

Big Falls is a scenic plunge on the Deschutes River Segment D, part of a corridor designated WSR (Wild and Scenic River) and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Set against a backdrop of dense Pacific Northwest forest, the falls offer a striking cascade and several natural viewpoints that make it a favorite for photographers and day hikers alike. The site lies on land identified as DESG and is presented with the rugged, river-carved character typical of the Deschutes River corridor. Access to the falls feels immediate but rewarding: a short, moderate hike brings you to an intimate vantage where you can watch the water drop and listen to the river below. The approach is popular for year-round visits; while there’s no campground immediately adjacent to the trailhead, the nearest organized group camping is at South Shore Group Sites, roughly 17.6 km away, so plan accordingly for day trips or overnight stays in the region.

The Setting

Big Falls sits at 2,480 feet within Deschutes River Segment D, fed by the Crooked River, in the hills of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Big Falls is an out-and-back route of approximately 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate. The path is a well-marked forest route that climbs steadily but without technical sections; specific USFS surface/grade/class or trail number were not provided in the available data. Hikers can expect a straightforward approach that culminates at a dedicated viewing area for the falls—good footwear and standard day-hike preparation are recommended.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, so visitors should exercise caution. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and carry a map or GPS device as cell service may be unreliable.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 5 hours ago Barely Flowing

176 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2.21 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

CROOKED RIVER BLW OSBORNE CANYON, NR OPAL CITY, OR

USGS 14087380

4.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 4,520 sq mi

Altitude: 2,190 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CROOKED RIVER BLW OSBORNE CANYON, NR OPAL CITY, OR (8 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

176 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

176 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

201 cfs

3/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

207 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

202 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

195 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

185 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

198 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid May, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Crooked River Ranch hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The bare-earth surface loses about 156 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,485 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 159 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 128 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Big Falls near Crooked River Ranch, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Big Falls near Crooked River Ranch, Oregon, showing about 156 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 2,485 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 156 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Big Falls is located in the Umpqua National Forest. To reach the falls, visitors typically drive along forest roads, which may require a high-clearance vehicle depending on conditions. Directions should be verified with local ranger stations or reliable trail resources.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

2,480 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.371404° N, -121.292485° W

Land Management

Deschutes River Segment D WSR

Managed by BLM

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may be muddy or uneven in places. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and check weather conditions before visiting. Cell service may be limited in the area.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

SOUTH SHORE GROUP SITES

10.9 miles away · 2 sites

OverviewHaystack South Shore Group Campground is the only group campground on Haystack Reservoir. Each of the two campsites holds up to 50 people. This is a year-round facility ideal for large events such as family reunions or groups of rock climbers visiting nearby Smith Rock State Park. Natural Features:South Shore is located in the high desert landscape with views of Mt. Jefferson as a scenic backdrop. Juniper trees and sagebrush dot the landscape. The combination of a low forest canopy and 3,

Book on Recreation.gov