LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Chush Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Chush Falls
Chush Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Deschutes National Forest near Sisters, Oregon. It is part of Whychus Creek and offers a serene and picturesque setting, surrounded by lush forest and volcanic landscapes. The waterfall is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Chush Falls sits at 5,007 feet within Deschutes National Forest, fed by the M F Tumalo Creek, in the high mountains of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Chush Falls (#4080), a 4.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 500 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
CHUSH FALLS #4080
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
1.45 miTrail Description
The trail to Chush Falls is a moderately challenging hike through the Deschutes National Forest. It features a mix of forested paths and open areas with views of the Cascade Mountains. The trail is well-marked and leads to a viewpoint of the falls, with an optional scramble closer to the base for a better view.
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 Chush Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chush Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Chush Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Deschutes National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 39°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious on the trail, as some sections may be rocky or slippery. The scramble to the base of the falls is not officially maintained and can be hazardous. Always stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
6 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 8 years of record
3.67 ft
Water depth at gauge
39°F
Dangerously coldRisk of cold shock
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is dangerously cold at 39 degrees F, avoid prolonged contact.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge M F TUMALO CREEK BLW PROWELL SPRINGS, NR BEND, OR (13 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
3/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to late August, peaking in June.
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 Black Butte 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 ground through the falls loses about 172 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,007 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 119 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 90 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,007 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 172 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Chush Falls is accessed via the Whychus Creek Trailhead, located approximately 15 miles southwest of Sisters, Oregon. From Sisters, take Elm Street south, which becomes Forest Road 16. Follow signs for the Whychus Creek Trailhead. The last few miles of the road may be rough and unpaved, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Whychus Creek Trailhead. The parking area is unpaved and may have limited space during peak seasons.
Elevation
5,007 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.149722° N, -121.683056° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven in places. Bring plenty of water, especially in summer, as the trail can be exposed to the sun in some sections. Check road conditions before heading out, as the access road may be rough.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 4.5 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Where to Stay
Loft home with private hot tub deck grill fireplace & 10 SHARC passes
Sisters Inn & Suites
Paper Birch - Unit 10
Cabin with Private Hot Tub Near the Deschutes River - Free SHARC access
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
Alder Springs Campground
11.6 miles away · 0 sites
This small, rustic site is right on the side of the historic McKenzie Pass Highway. Surrounded by towering Douglas fir trees, this is a perfect spot to be on a warm day.Access to Linton Lake Trailhead in the Three Sisters Wilderness is immediately across the highway from the campground.
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Bend, Oregon
Belknap Springs
Belknap Springs flows at 160°F along the McKenzie River in the Cascade Range, emerging just 510 feet from North Belknap Springs...
Foley Springs
Foley Springs emerges at 178°F in the Cascade Range of Lane County, making it one of Oregon's hottest thermal features with rec...
Bigelow Hot Springs
Bigelow Hot Springs, also called Deer Creek Hot Springs, emerges at 142°F just 400 feet from Deer Creek Road in the Willamette ...
Cougar Reservoir Hot Springs
Cougar Reservoir Hot Springs, widely known as Terwilliger Hot Springs, flows at 111 degrees Fahrenheit with roadside access req...
Paulina Springs
Paulina Springs emerges at 70°F within Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Deschutes County, flowing at 6,338 feet elevation...
East Lake Hot Springs
East Lake Hot Springs emerges at 144°F on the shore of East Lake within the Newberry Volcano caldera, flowing 103.8°F above the...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Bend, Oregon on SoakingSprings.
Explore Oregon springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Whychus Creek Overlook, Three Sisters Wilderness, and the town of Sisters, Oregon.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of bears and other larger animals, especially in remote areas.
Cities near Chush Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Writing about Chush Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.