Odin Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
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 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
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 (12 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 Terrebonne 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 84 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 2,671 feet.
The ground changes about 77 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 54 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,671 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 84 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
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
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 MapsParking
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
2,671 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.322392° N, -121.256480° W
Land Management
Managed by BLM
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven terrain. Bring water and sun protection, especially during the summer months. Be cautious near the river's edge, as rocks can be slippery.
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This easy 1.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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
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,
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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
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.
Cities near Odin Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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