Cline Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Cline Falls
Cline Falls is a compact but dramatic 20-foot segmented cascade on the Deschutes River, located about 4 miles west of Redmond, Oregon. The falls sit just north of where Oregon Route 126 crosses the river and were named for Cass A. Cline, who owned the adjacent land in the early 20th century. Nestled within the modest green space of Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint, the site offers easy access to the river’s rocky channels and churning flows that make for excellent photography, picnicking, and watching anglers and kayakers in season. The viewpoint and nearby paths make Cline Falls an ideal short outing for families and day visitors — you can enjoy the sound and sight of the cascade without a strenuous hike. The small park atmosphere and river access give visitors a chance to explore the shoreline and take in sweeping views of the falls and surrounding high-desert landscape before heading back to nearby Redmond.
The Setting
Cline Falls sits at 2,831 feet along the Crooked River, in the hills of Oregon.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Cline Falls is a short, easy out-and-back roughly 0.4 miles round trip with about 50 feet of elevation gain. The route follows a mostly flat, family-friendly path along the Deschutes River and ends at a viewpoint overlooking the segmented cascade. Expect an easy walk suitable for most visitors, with compact distances between parking, picnic areas, and the falls.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cline Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cline Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically higher, and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the river, as the rocks can be slippery, and the current may be strong. Always supervise children and pets near the water.
Current Water Conditions
165 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 22 years of record
2.15 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
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 CROOKED RIVER BLW OSBORNE CANYON, NR OPAL CITY, OR (17 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
165 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
176 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
179 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
173 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
164 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
175 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
176 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, 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 Eagle Crest 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.
3-meter lidar measures about 119 feet of descent through Cline Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 2,831 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 99 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 31 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,831 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 119 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
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
Cline Falls is located off Highway 126, approximately 4 miles west of Redmond, Oregon. The entrance to Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint is well-marked and provides easy access to the area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking lot available at Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint. Parking is free, but spaces may be limited during peak times.
Elevation
2,831 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.276624° N, -121.259235° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during summer. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the river, and wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven surfaces.
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For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Canyon Rim at Eagle Crest
Comfort Suites Redmond Airport
Eagle Crest
Eagle Crest Escape
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
SOUTH SHORE GROUP SITES
15.8 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,
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Smith Rock State Park, Tumalo State Park, and the city of Bend, which offers additional outdoor activities and dining options.
Wildlife
Visitors may see birds, deer, and other small wildlife in the area. Be cautious of snakes during warmer months.
Cities near Cline Falls
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