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.

Nearby gauge (M F Tumalo Creek) · 1 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

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 Oct 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

Trail Length

1.0 miles

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 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, 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 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. 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). 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

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

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 37°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 Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on M F Tumalo Creek, 12.2 miles away, not on Indian Hole Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

1 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

1 1 1 2

Based on 9 years of record

4.46 ft

Water depth at gauge

37°F

Dangerously cold

Risk of cold shock

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. Water temperature is dangerously cold at 37 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 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2 sq mi

Altitude: 6,329 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge M F TUMALO CREEK ABV PROWELL SPRINGS, NR BEND, OR (20 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

1 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

1 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

1 cfs

8/10

Thu

Roaring

1 cfs

8/10

Fri

Roaring

1 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

1 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

1 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

1 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to early 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.

Is Indian Hole Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Indian Hole Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 47°F to 37°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 1 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Oregon.

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

4,797 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.

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