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 · 1,260 ft³/s · Much 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 Mar 2026

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

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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 moderate hike follows West Metolius River Trail (#4018), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain. 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

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 Low

1,260 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.4k 1.4k 1.8k 1.9k

Based on 105 years of record

1.00 ft

Water depth at gauge

51°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

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

Low right now

1260 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

1260 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

1352 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

1468 cfs

4/10

Sun

Moderate

1440 cfs

5/10

Mon

Low

1286 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

1229 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

1229 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

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

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.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 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.

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.

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.

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

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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