OK, so that title is not fair as I only know of two other waterfalls in Bend and this one is obviously the best. I know I have friends and relatives that live nearby that are welcomed to dispute it.

Let me say it clearly, Tumalo Falls is the best waterfall in Bend and one of the best waterfalls I have ever seen in my life. It’s tall at 97 feet high, it falls off a beautiful volcanic cliff, and it’s surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest. Lastly, for a big waterfall, there are NO logs to be seen anywhere around it at the top, bottom, or downstream to clutter up the view.

The walk to the upper platform is .5 miles and very steep, but worth the view.

The view of the falls from the lower platform is blocked by two trees making it challenging, if not impossible to make an image.

A couple of caveats: the road is closed for winter from November to May, but if you are a hearty sort, you can snowshoe in the 2.2 miles one way on the road; also, the parking lot is very small, maybe ten cars and it’s a very popular jump off point for hiking, as well as, viewing the falls.

Photographer Pro Tip: find the small trail along the river that starts near the bridge that crosses the river into the parking lot. It’s not much more than a deer trail and it’s wet and muddy. Walk up stream about 100 yards and you’ll be rewarded with a good view of the falls with the river as foreground.