Are there fees or permits required for Deschutes Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Deschutes Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Deschutes Falls.

Live Conditions · 634 ft³/s · About average

Deschutes Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Deschutes Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Deschutes Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Deschutes Falls County Park LP · CNTY

Photo Credits (5)

ScottElliottSmithson CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Jon. D. Anderson CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Deschutes Falls

Tucked into Thurston County’s Deschutes Falls County Park and managed by the county, Deschutes Falls is a compact, photogenic cascade set amid lush Pacific Northwest forest. The falls drop into a narrow gorge along the Deschutes River, and easy viewpoints framed by mossy rocks and firs make it a favorite short-stop for hikers, photographers and families looking to soak up river scenery without a long trek. Access is straightforward but rewarding — the route through the county park threads through dense forest and opens onto vantage points that showcase the falls’ tumbling character. The setting feels intimate and wooded, offering a peaceful, close-in waterfall experience that’s especially appealing in spring and after rainy stretches.

The Setting

Deschutes Falls sits at 830 feet within Deschutes Falls County Park, fed by the Nisqually River, in the foothills of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Deschutes Falls is an out-and-back route measuring about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, typically rated moderate. The path is well-maintained and travels through dense forest, with a steady but manageable climb that rewards you with a viewpoint overlooking the cascade. Expect a mix of packed natural tread and occasional roots and rocks; the short distance makes this a solid half-day outing for most moderately fit hikers.

What to Expect

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 Deschutes Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Deschutes Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a quieter experience.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Stay on designated trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the gorge. The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, and the currents in the river are strong. Exercise caution, especially with children and pets.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Strong

634 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

426 607 934 1.2k

Based on 99 years of record

4.09 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

NISQUALLY RIVER AT LA GRANDE, WA

USGS 12086500

4.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 292 sq mi

Altitude: 497 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NISQUALLY RIVER AT LA GRANDE, WA (8 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

634 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

723 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

678 cfs

9/10

Sun

Strong

634 cfs

10/10

Mon

Strong

634 cfs

10/10

Tue

Roaring

685 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

710 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

710 cfs

6/10

Best window: Sun — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).

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 La Grande 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.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 67 feet through Deschutes Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 828 feet.

The ground changes about 22 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 55 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Deschutes Falls near La Grande, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Deschutes Falls near La Grande, Washington, showing about 67 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 828 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 67 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Deschutes Falls is located within Deschutes Falls Park, approximately 20 miles southeast of Olympia, Washington. The park is accessible via local roads, and visitors can follow signs to the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking lot available at Deschutes Falls Park. Parking may be limited during peak times.

Elevation

830 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.802881° N, -122.414560° W

Land Management

Deschutes Falls County Park LP

Managed by CNTY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.

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

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Nearby Campground

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA)

21.5 miles away · 29 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated in the vicinity of majestic Mount Rainier, Big Creek is a family campground nestled among Douglas firs, hemlock, alders and maples. The lush vegetation offers plenty of privacy between sites. The sites at Big Creek form a loop, with only a handful of sites sitting along the banks of Big Creek. Open from mid-May through late September, Big Creek provides an alternative to the campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park, which can get very crowded during the summer. Recreation Angl

Book on Recreation.gov