Are there fees or permits required for Wizard Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Wizard Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Wizard Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wizard Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,220 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Wizard Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wizard Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Wizard Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Deschutes National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

DBerry2006 CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

OpalMirror CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Wizard Falls

Historically known as Wizard Falls, this scenic cascade on the Metolius River sits in Jefferson County within the northwest foothills of Deschutes National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The river here forms a series of long, tumbling rapids rather than a single vertical drop, set against a backdrop of dense Ponderosa and mixed conifer forest. The area’s dramatic volcanic neighbors — Three Fingered Jack to the west with Mount Washington to the south and Mount Jefferson to the north — help frame the valley just north of the town of Sisters, Oregon, and give hikers rewarding alpine views on clear days. Access is via the USFS West Metolius River Trail (Trail #4018). Many visitors praise the Metolius’ clear, blue-green water and tranquil pools as they approach the cascades; for overnight stays, Green Ridge Lookout campground lies about 2.52 km (under 10 km) from the falls, offering a convenient base for exploring the river corridor and nearby peaks.

The Setting

Wizard Falls sits at 2,762 feet within Deschutes National Forest, fed by the Metolius River, in the hills of Oregon.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows West Metolius River Trail (#4018), a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

WEST METOLIUS RIVER TRAIL #4018

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

7.28 mi

Trail Description

The route to Wizard Falls uses the USFS West Metolius River Trail (Trail #4018). Per Forest Service data the trail is classified as Class 3 with a native-material tread and the entire West Metolius corridor measures about 7.28 GIS miles. The commonly hiked segment to the falls is an out-and-back of roughly 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is typically rated moderate in difficulty. The path follows the Metolius River, offering steady riverside walking with native-surface tread; expect typical single-track conditions and moderate grade changes over the short climb to the cascade.

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 Wizard Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wizard Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Wizard Falls is during spring, summer, or early fall when the weather is pleasant, and the trail is easily accessible.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 47°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Stay on the designated trail to avoid damaging the environment and for your safety. Be cautious near the river, as the currents can be strong. During winter, check for snow or ice conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

1,220 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.2k 1.3k 1.5k 1.6k

Based on 105 years of record

0.92 ft

Water depth at gauge

47°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 47 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

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

METOLIUS RIVER NEAR GRANDVIEW, OR

USGS 14091500

10.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 316 sq mi

Altitude: 1,974 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge METOLIUS RIVER NEAR GRANDVIEW, OR (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

1210 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

1307 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

1258 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

1210 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

1210 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

1210 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

1210 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

1210 cfs

8/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in May.

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 Camp Sherman 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.

3-meter lidar measures about 35 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Wizard Falls. Elevation at the pin is about 2,762 feet.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Wizard Falls near Camp Sherman, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wizard Falls near Camp Sherman, Oregon, showing about 35 feet of drop

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 2,762 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 35 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Wizard Falls is located near Camp Sherman, Oregon, within the Deschutes National Forest. It can be accessed via the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, which serves as a popular starting point for visitors.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. The lot is typically sufficient, but it may fill up during peak seasons.

Elevation

2,762 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.518689° N, -121.632132° W

Land Management

Deschutes National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during summer weekends to secure parking. Bring a camera to capture the stunning blue waters. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, as there are limited facilities along the trail.

Where to Stay

Dog-friendly house with pool hot tub fitness room fireplace grill & deck

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

GREEN RIDGE LOOKOUT

1.6 miles away · 1 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Green Ridge Lookout is perched on a ridge more than 2,000 feet above the Metolius River. It offers guests a unique lodging experience in Deschutes National Forest. The lookout, a 20-foot tall fire lookout with unmatched views of Mt. Jefferson and the Metolius River basin, was built in the 1960s. Green Ridge Lookout is available for rent early May - June and mid September - mid November. During the summer months, the lookout is staffed with Forest Service volunteers who help with forest f

Book on Recreation.gov