Hidden Waterfall Hikes Near Bend Oregon

Hidden Waterfall Hikes Near Bend Oregon

Bend may be known for its sunshine, breweries, and high-desert charm — but just beyond city limits, you’ll find some of Oregon’s most breathtaking waterfall hikes. Whether you’re craving a quick scenic walk or a peaceful half-day adventure, these waterfall trails offer cool shade, refreshing mist, and some of the most memorable views in Central Oregon.

Here are the best waterfall hikes near Bend to explore on your next trip.

Benham Falls

Why go: A scenic 25-foot cascade on the Deschutes River — among the most accessible waterfalls near Bend.

Trail & distance: Roughly 1.2 miles roundtrip from the parking area to the viewpoints. From the main East Day Use/Trailhead, a short 100-yard walk brings you to the northern viewpoint.

Trailhead & fees: Use either the Benham Falls East or West Day Use area. A recreation pass is required ($5/day or valid annual pass). US Forest Service+1

Pro tip: Great for a quick waterfall visit or as part of a longer river-trail adventure along the Deschutes.

🏞️ More on the Waterfall Corridor

One of the great things about the waterfalls along the Upper Deschutes is that — with a little planning — you can link multiple spots into a single outing or all-day adventure.

• The Deschutes River Trail connects Benham Falls → Dillon Falls → Lava Island Falls (among others). Some through-hikes cover as much as ~6–7 miles between falls. Roaming Log+2oregonwaterfalls+2
• Because water levels and river flow change seasonally, spring or early summer often offer the most dramatic water flow — but summer offers accessibility and ease.

🏞️ Tumalo Falls + Upper Falls Trail

Waterfall details: Tumalo Falls drops about 97 feet into a forested, lava-carved canyon.

Trail length & difficulty: The main waterfall is just a ~0.25 mile walk from the parking — very easy and accessible.

• For a bigger adventure: hiking upstream leads to additional waterfalls (Double Falls, Middle Falls, smaller cascades). A loop using North Fork + Swampy Lakes + Bridge Creek Trails can be ~7 miles round-trip with ~1,100 ft elevation change. Hikespeak+2Oregon Wild+2

Trailhead & access: About 14 miles west of Bend via Skyliners Road and forest roads. The base-area parking requires a recreation pass. Oregon Hiking+2US Forest Service+2

Why it’s worth it: Easy access for a quick waterfall fix — or full-day hike if you want solitude, shaded forest, multiple cascades, and a gorgeous creek-side hike.

🌊 Steelhead Falls (Crooked River Ranch / Upper Deschutes River)

Trail & waterfall: The hike from the trailhead to the falls is only about 0.5 miles — short and easy, with one small steep section. Bureau of Land Management

Setting: The falls lie along the upper Deschutes River in a canyon landscape. The canyon’s colorful rock walls and desert-river vibe make this very different from forested Cascades waterfalls — striking and dramatic.

What to Know: The Trailhead down River Road is accessible from Redmond/Deschutes area (see official directions). There’s limited trailer parking and an outhouse, but no potable water. Bureau of Land Management

Why go: This is a great quick outing if you want a waterfall + canyon contrast — easy to get to, ideal for a picnic or relaxed walk along the river.

💦 Paulina Creek Falls (Newberry National Volcanic Monument)

Waterfall details: Paulina Creek Falls plunges ~80 feet over volcanic cliffs in two closely set cascades, creating dramatic views from the upper and lower viewpoints.

Trail & access: The trail from the Paulina Falls Day Use Area is a paved, out-and-back footpath — very easy, family- and kid-friendly. The overlook and viewpoint are accessible without a strenuous hike. US Forest Service+2Visit Central Oregon+2

Pass / Fees: A recreation pass or National Forest pass is required for parking/use. US Forest Service+1

When to visit: Generally open from late spring (snowmelt) through fall.

Why it’s worth it: This is one of the easiest, most accessible waterfall hikes near Bend — perfect for mixed groups, families, or anyone looking for a low-effort, high-reward nature outing.

🌲 Chush Falls (Whychus Creek / near Sisters)

Waterfall details: Chush Falls cascades approximately 60–70 feet (some sources list ~68 ft) along Whychus Creek, inside the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Trail & distance: The hike is about 5.8–5.9 miles round-trip (out-and-back) with ~850 ft elevation gain — moderate difficulty. AllTrails.com+2Off the Beaten Trail!+2

Trailhead & access: From Sisters, take Forest Road 16 south, then FR 1514, then rough gravel FR 600 to the trailhead. Directions typically reference Whychus Creek / Three Creeks Lake access roads. Off the Beaten Trail!+2waterfallsnorthwest.com+2

Permit / Fees: Day-use parking requires a National Forest pass / recreation pass or America-the-Beautiful pass. If hiking between June 15 and October 15, a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required. AllTrails.com+2Go Wander Wild+2

Why go: The trail offers forested canyon scenery, the sound of rushing water, and—especially in summer—a chance to combine a waterfall hike with wildflower meadows and great views of the nearby Cascades. It’s more remote and peaceful than many popular waterfalls close to town.

🪶 Bonus — Marion Falls (a little further out)

If you don’t mind driving a bit beyond Bend and exploring a more remote, forested area, Marion Falls is a beautiful waterfall worth knowing about.

Location: In the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, the hike begins at Marion Lake Trailhead. US Forest Service+1

Trail details: The route to reach the falls is a ~4.1-mile round-trip out-and-back (some sources list ~4.0 miles) — moderate difficulty, through forest and alpine terrain. AllTrails.com+1

What to expect: A beautiful waterfall feeding from alpine creeks, with mossy rock surroundings and quieter forest atmosphere. For adventurous visitors, you can continue on the larger trail network around Marion Lake. AllTrails.com+1

Permits & access: Because this area lies within a wilderness zone, a valid pass and sometimes a wilderness permit is required during certain seasons — check the rules before you go. US Forest Service+1

✅ Practical Tips & Reminders

• Passes & Fees: Most upper-Deschutes waterfalls (Benham, Dillon, Lava Island) require a recreation pass — typically $5/day or an annual pass. US Forest Service+2Visit Central Oregon+2
• Access & Parking: Especially on summer weekends — arrive early. Parking lots can fill quickly.
• Safety First: Water levels can rise fast in spring; rapids downstream of drops (like Dillon) can be dangerous. Always observe signage and avoid water-access near strong currents.
• Trail Etiquette: Many waterfalls share the same trail (the Deschutes River Trail) with hikers and bikers — stay alert, yield appropriately, and leash dogs where required.

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