Are there fees or permits required for Indian Hole Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Indian Hole Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Indian Hole Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Indian Hole Falls.

Live Conditions · 4 ft³/s · About average

Indian Hole Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Indian Hole Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Indian Hole Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Willamette National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (2)

U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Indian Hole Falls

Indian Hole Falls is a tucked-away cascade set within the Willamette National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls sit amid dense Pacific Northwest forest, offering a quiet, photogenic stop for hikers who prefer less-crowded routes. Approaches generally use the Buck Meadows route—USFS Trail #3521—which threads through native-forested slopes and provides a pleasant mix of shade and fern-carpeted understory. The hike to the falls is a moderate out-and-back outing: about 2.4 miles total with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, making it accessible to most day hikers who are comfortable with some uphill walking. The setting rewards those who make the short effort with a peaceful cascade and a strong sense of solitude. While there isn’t a developed campground immediately adjacent to the falls, the nearest developed site is Alder Springs Campground, approximately 10.3 km away.

The Setting

Indian Hole Falls sits at 4,797 feet within Willamette National Forest, fed by the M F Tumalo Creek Abv Prowell Springs,, in the mountains of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Proxy Falls (226 ft) lies 5.8 miles to the northwest.

Proxy Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Buck Meadows (#3521), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

BUCK MEADOWS #3521

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.99 mi

Trail Description

Trail: Buck Meadows (USFS Trail #3521). Route type: out-and-back, total distance 2.4 miles with about 350 ft elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. The Buck Meadows segment is mapped at roughly 0.99 GIS miles on Forest Service data and is the primary approach to the falls. Trail surface is native material and the route is classified by the USFS as Class 3, with a typical grade in the 12–20% range. Expect singletrack through forest with some root and rock sections and short steep pitches; sturdy footwear and basic trail skills are recommended. The native surface and grade can make the tread slick in wet conditions, so plan accordingly.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Oregon, offering a peaceful experience.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Indian Hole Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Indian Hole Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have higher flow due to snowmelt and rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Willamette National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 40°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The trail may be uneven or slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid getting too close to the edge of the waterfall. Cell service may be limited in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

4 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 8 years of record

4.76 ft

Water depth at gauge

40°F

Warm

Very comfortable

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 40 degrees F, avoid prolonged contact.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

M F TUMALO CREEK ABV PROWELL SPRINGS, NR BEND, OR

USGS 14070615

12.2 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 2 sq mi

Altitude: 6,329 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location of Indian Hole Falls is not widely documented. Visitors may need to consult local hiking resources or maps for directions. It is recommended to check with local ranger stations for the most accurate information.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options near the trailhead.

Elevation

4797 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.090951° N, -121.866708° W

Land Management

Willamette National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check local conditions and trail reports before visiting. Bring a map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and carry water.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 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.

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.

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.

Where to Stay

Cabin with Private Hot Tub Near the Deschutes River - Free SHARC access

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

Alder Springs Campground

6.4 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.gov