Odin Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 131 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Odin Falls

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Deschutes River Segment D WSR · DESG
Photo Credits (5)
1.
BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
2.
BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
3.
BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
4.
BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
5.
BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Odin Falls

Odin Falls sits just outside Redmond, Oregon, where the Deschutes River drops over dark basalt ledges into a narrow high-desert canyon. The setting feels quietly rugged — riparian greenery threaded through basalt outcrops against the open Deschutes rim — and the falls are often less crowded than Cascade-area waterfalls. This reach of river is part of the Deschutes River Segment D Wild and Scenic designation; land ownership is listed as DESG and the corridor is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, which helps preserve the river’s natural character. Access is short and rewarding, making Odin Falls a great half-day outing for photographers and casual hikers who want dramatic river scenery without a long approach. There are no developed campgrounds immediately adjacent (the nearest group sites are roughly 20.7 km away), so most visitors combine the fall visit with other day hikes or river viewpoints on BLM-managed lands.

The Setting

Odin Falls sits at 2,671 feet within Deschutes River Segment D, fed by the Crooked River, in the hills of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 1.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Odin Falls is an easy 1.0-mile out-and-back with approximately 200 feet of elevation gain. The tread is unpaved dirt with some uneven sections and occasional basalt exposures near the river; overall the grade is gentle (about a 3–4% average). The route climbs modestly from the rim toward viewpoints above the falls and is generally accessible to most hikers, though there are short rocky sections where footing requires attention. No USFS trail name or number is listed; the approach and access are managed as part of the BLM’s Deschutes River Segment D Wild and Scenic corridor.

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 Odin Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Odin Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt. Fall offers cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage in the surrounding area.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the river and waterfall, as rocks can be slippery and the currents strong. Be aware of potential wildlife encounters and stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the environment.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

131 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 22 years of record

1.95 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

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

USGS 14087380
7.3 mi from waterfall
Drainage: 4,520 sq mi
Altitude: 2,190 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Odin Falls is located along the Deschutes River, approximately 10 miles northwest of Redmond, Oregon. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors may need to hike a short distance to reach the best viewing points.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may require roadside parking near trail access points. Visitors should plan accordingly and avoid blocking private property or roadways.

Elevation

2671 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.322392° N, -121.256480° W

Land Management

Deschutes River Segment D WSR

Managed by BLM

Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

SOUTH SHORE GROUP SITES

12.8 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,

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

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

The area is home to various wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see native plants typical of the high desert environment.

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