Trailgrams: Tumalo Falls Loop Trail

Tumalo Falls Loop Trail appears on just about everybody's top five list of trails within an hour of Sisters. If you've been, you'll likely agree. If you haven't then you should make it a priority. It truly is a gem and one of the most-photographed hikes in all of Oregon.

Photo by Bill Bartlett

At seven miles, it's not a walk in the park. Neither is it grinding despite its 1,200-foot elevation gain. The ascent is gradual and spaced over 3.5 miles. The sheer beauty of the thick forest and cascading water will ease the way.

Why go? Well for the waterfalls of course. Not just the Biggy - the 97-foot Tumalo Falls - but the other dozen plus, some equally impressive in their own right. Doubles and triples, several 50 or more feet wide. All flowing with the pristine water, part of a 20-mile tributary ending into the Deschutes. The water is the source for Bend's drinking water.

When to go? Any time that the trail is free of snow, typically mid-April to mid-November. Do not go on the weekend – any weekend unless that is your only option. Go as early as possible in the day.

What to expect? Within the first 500 feet, assuming that you are going the usual counterclockwise direction (it's a loop so you can choose), is the mighty Tumalo Falls, a 97-foot dramatic drop over a sheer vertical cliff face. There are two viewing platforms, one higher than the other and both offer superb, unobstructed views.

Many of the visitors that will be encountered often end their experience here and the numbers quickly thin out. Counterclockwise gets you virtually all the falls in the first half, on the ascent. Some have marked viewpoints while the others have clear paths to natural platforms for better viewing.

Exercise caution as some viewing locations can present a risk especially for children and dogs; the latter are only allowed on half the loop as the other half is on Bend's watershed. Likewise, cyclists – yes there will be bikers grinding their way in granny gears - are not allowed on the watershed side.

You will cross a log bridge or two depending on how you do the hike. To make the full loop, you will have to ford the creek. And even at its lowest, expect to be knee deep in intensely cold water.

It's at this point when some folk merely reverse and return the way they came. No shame.

The trail - and its options - are well marked. There is an orientation map at the kiosk where there are vault toilets and picnic tables but no running water.

Getting there

Tumalo Falls is a scenic 14.2-mile drive west of Bend using Skyliners Road (Forest Road 4601). Head west for about 11.6 miles, then, take a slight right across Tumalo Creek before turning left onto Tumalo Falls Rd (Forest Road 4603) for the final 2.6 miles. The last stretch is a bumpy gravel road, so slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

What you'll need

A $5 day-use pass available at the trailhead or in substitution your Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass. Maybe bug spray, probably not. Sunscreen and water of course. Plenty of both. Suitable shoes. Street shoes or flip flops will cause you pain.