Are there fees or permits required for Upper Chush Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Upper Chush Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Upper Chush Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Upper Chush Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Upper Chush Falls near Black Butte Ranch, Oregon, showing about 283 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 6 ft³/s · About average

Upper Chush Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Upper Chush Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Upper Chush Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Deschutes National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

5.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

700 ft

About Upper Chush Falls

Upper Chush Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Deschutes National Forest near Sisters, Oregon. It is part of the Whychus Creek drainage and offers visitors a serene and scenic experience with cascading water surrounded by lush forest and volcanic landscapes.

The Setting

Upper Chush Falls sits at 5,594 feet within Deschutes National Forest, fed by the M F Tumalo Creek, in the high mountains of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Tumalo Falls (97 ft) lies 9.5 miles to the southeast.

Tumalo Falls

Trail & Hike Details

5.5 mi distance 700 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Chush Falls (#4080), a 5.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 700 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

CHUSH FALLS #4080

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

1.45 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Upper Chush Falls follows Whychus Creek through a mix of forested areas and open volcanic terrain. The path is well-marked but includes some rocky and uneven sections. The final approach to the falls may require navigating over rocks or roots.

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 Upper Chush Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Chush Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Deschutes National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 39°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious on rocky sections of the trail, especially near the falls, as they can be slippery. Check weather conditions before your visit, and carry a map or GPS device as cell service may be limited.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

6 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

3.67 ft

Water depth at gauge

39°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 39 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 BLW PROWELL SPRINGS, NR BEND, OR

USGS 14070624

7.7 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 (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

6 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

3/10

Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

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 Black Butte Ranch 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.

1-meter lidar measures about 283 feet of descent through Upper Chush Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 5,594 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 104 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 286 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Upper Chush Falls near Black Butte Ranch, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 5,594 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 283 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

To reach Upper Chush Falls, visitors typically drive to the Whychus Creek Trailhead, which is accessible via gravel roads. From there, a hike is required to reach the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Whychus Creek Trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

5,594 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.142847° N, -121.684762° W

Land Management

Deschutes National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Wear sturdy hiking shoes due to rocky terrain, and bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Check trail conditions before visiting, as snow or fallen trees may impact access.

This trail sits at 5,594 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 22% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 5.5 miles and 700 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.

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.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

Where to Stay

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

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

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Nearby Campground

Alder Springs Campground

11.6 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