Is swimming allowed at Tumalo Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Tumalo Falls.

Live Conditions · 5 ft³/s · About average

Tumalo Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Tumalo Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Tumalo Falls.

Oregon • 97 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

Deschutes National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

James Marvin Phelps CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

andrewr.warren CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

RWShea Photography CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

James Marvin Phelps CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is a stunning 97-foot waterfall located in the Deschutes National Forest near Bend, Oregon. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in the region, offering breathtaking views and access to several hiking trails.

The Setting

Tumalo Falls sits at 5,082 feet within Deschutes National Forest, fed by the M F Tumalo Creek, in the high mountains of Oregon. The falls drop 97 feet.

Height: 97 feet

Trail & Hike Details

0.5 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Tumalo Overflow Trail (#26.1), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 100 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

TUMALO OVERFLOW TRAIL #26.1

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.29 mi

Trail Description

The short trail to the Tumalo Falls viewpoint is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it accessible for most visitors. For those looking for a longer hike, the North Fork Trail continues past the falls and offers access to additional waterfalls and scenic views.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 97 feet. 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 Tumalo Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Tumalo Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the waterfall at its fullest flow, but the area is beautiful year-round.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Deschutes National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 38°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Stay on designated trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls. In winter, icy conditions can make trails slippery. Always check weather and trail conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

5 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

3 3 11 15

Based on 9 years of record

3.64 ft

Water depth at gauge

38°F

Dangerously cold

Risk of cold shock

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 38 degrees F, avoid prolonged contact.

About This Gauge

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

USGS 14070624

3.3 miles from waterfall

Altitude: 6,326 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge M F TUMALO CREEK BLW PROWELL SPRINGS, NR BEND, OR (5 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

5 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

5 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

5 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

5 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

5 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

5 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

5 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

5 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to late 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 Tetherow hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Tumalo Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Tumalo Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 50°F to 35°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 5 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

Tumalo Falls is located about 12 miles west of Bend, Oregon. From Bend, take Skyliners Road west until it ends at the Tumalo Falls Day Use Area. The last few miles of the road may be gravel and can be rough, especially in winter.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a parking lot at the Tumalo Falls Day Use Area. Parking can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

5,082 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.033915° N, -121.566830° W

Land Management

Deschutes National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during summer weekends. Bring sturdy footwear if you plan to hike beyond the main viewpoint. In winter, check road conditions and consider bringing snowshoes or skis.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.5 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Loft home with private hot tub deck grill fireplace & 10 SHARC passes

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

2 Tennis Village..

Paper Birch - Unit 10

9.4 10 reviews

See all hotels near Bend

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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

Little Fawn Campground

12.4 miles away · 8 sites

Reservable

Overview Little Fawn Group Camp, 37 miles southwest of the town of Bend, is located on the southeastern shores of Elk Lake. Recreation Elk Lake provides the opportunity for boating, windsurfing, water skiing, fishing and swimming. A nice beach and large day-use area provide plenty of shoreline for swimming. A boat ramp is located within the campground. Facilities Little Fawn Group Camp offers all single-family camp sites and on a First Come First Serve. The campground accommodates tent and RV cam

Book on Recreation.gov