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Tumalo Falls near Bend
Located in the Deschutes National Forest, Tumalo Creek flows into the Deschutes River just north of Bend. Tumalo Falls is a day use area on Tumalo Falls Road, 12 miles west of Bend. To get there follow Franklin Ave. west from downtown Bend through the park to Galveston Road, which then turns into Skyliner Drive (paved). Immediately after crossing Tumalo Creek, turn left onto Road 4603 (gravel). Drive 2.5 miles to the Tumalo Falls parking area. The road is closed in winter, but then you would never find me up in that area that time of year anyway ...
Tumalo Falls Photo Gallery
View photo gallery of Tumalo Falls near Bend, Oregon.
There is a picnic area, toilet, and an uphill path to a falls overlook. There are also trailheads for numerous hiking and mountain biking trails in the area. There is a $5 per day use fee, or you’ll need a forest park permit, a Northwest Forest Pass or one of the various forest service passes available to park here. Here is a link to a U.S. Forest Service website that describes some of the various passes available so you can choose the best option for you. Recreation Passes of the Northwest.
It is a short walk (about 1/4 mile) on a maintained trail to the overlook area at the top of the falls. The North Fork Trail starts at the Falls and follows Tumalo Creek deeper into the mountains, and many smaller falls can be seen on the trail in the first couple miles of your hike. Mountain biking is allowed on the trail, and Tumalo Falls and the North Fork Trail can be busy, especially on weekends during the beautiful summer months, but this is a directional, up only trail for mountain bikers. The North Fork Trail intersects a network of trails a few miles up and allows mountain bikers to return to Tumalo falls via alternate routes. A trail map of the area is recommended if you plan on a loop ride.
As you drive up the gravel road from Skyliner Drive you will see other mountain biking trails as well as places to pull over and view Tumalo Creek.
Tumalo Falls provides great hiking fairly close to town. The "dogs on leash" sign applies only to the parking lot, but you should keep dogs on leashes on until you're past the viewpoint for the falls (that short stretch is very popular), even then make sure and keep control of your dogs so they don't bother other hikers or bikers.
Download the .kmz file so you can view Tumalo Falls in Google Earth.
Map of parking area for Tumalo Falls.
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Oregon Hiking Guide
Order 100 Classic Hikes in Oregon: Oregon Coast, Columbia Gorge, Cascades, Eastern Oregon, Wallowas from Barnes & Noble now! |
Choose an Area in Oregon to Hike
Oregon Coast & Coast Range | Northwest Oregon | Central Oregon Cascades | Southern Oregon | Eastern Oregon | Oregon Hiking Trails
Please note: The expanded Oregon hiking trail information is under construction. Links to descriptions of most of the Oregon hiking and cycling trails listed should be completed by the end of May 2010. Thank you for your patience.
Hiking Books For Oregon
Oregon Hiking Trails
- Central Oregon Amateur Guide to Hiking Gives links to many Central Oregon hiking trails.
- Links and things to do on the Mckenzie River near Eugene, Sisters, and Bend Oregon Has many links on outdoor adventures in the Central Oregon area.
- Hiking in Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho The public lands of Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho provide excellent hiking and backpacking opportunities, from high mountain peaks to desert canyons.
- LocalHikes.com Has great information on hiking trails near major U.S. cities, this link will take you to the Oregon section of their website.
- Day Trails.com Gives information on hiking and other outdoor activities in Oregon.
- TrailsNW.com Gives reviews and directions to several Oregon Hikes.
- Central Oregon Visitors Association Website gives directions to hikes in and near the Bend Oregon area.
- Slackpacker.com Provides organized access to informative Oregon hiking and backpacking websites.
If you find any of these links are no longer active, PLEASE email me and let me know so I can remove them!!
Hiking Books For Palm Springs
Philip Ferranti's books on hiking in Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas are a must have if you are planning on hiking in the area. Amazon.com also has several other books that will make your hiking adventure a great one, including books on hiking and rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park.
Click the hikers for Hiking Tips
For tips on how much WATER you need click above
Hiking In Palm Springs Disclaimer
Any outdoor recreation can be potentially hazardous, and hiking is no exception. All participants must assume responsibility for their own actions and safety, exercise sound judgment, and be prepared for and seek advice on weather and trail conditions.
Although the authors and publisher of Hiking-in-ps.com ("this site") try to make the site as accurate as possible, they disclaim any liability for accident, loss, injury, inconvenience or other damage that may be sustained by anyone using the information contained on the site.
