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Steelhead Falls

Step back in time at Steelhead Falls, where a 20-foot cascade tumbles over a rocky stretch in the Deschutes River and sits surrounded by all manner of natural beauty. All year long, the rugged river gorge marvels with rocky layers that trace millions of years of changing climates and evolving landscapes. But each season shows off a different side of the waterfall and offers plenty of reasons to return. Start by following a short, one-mile (round-trip) hiking trail that heads through a forest of juniper and sagebrush before ending at a wide-open viewpoint of Steelhead Falls. (Friendly heads-up: The path features a couple rocky stretches and a quick, steep section—but is otherwise flat.) In spring, wildflowers line the trail and golden eagles soar over the rugged river canyon; this is also when the waterfall, fed by seasonal rain and snowmelt, is at its raging peak. By summer, anglers cast a line for steelhead, rainbow trout, and brook trout in cool, deep pools near the waterfall. Come autumn, cool temperatures invite lingering and encourage hikers to watch for wildlife in the hillsides above. In winter, ice rings the waterfall and offers some of the year’s most dramatic views; just be sure to bring snowshoes or microspikes to stay safe on the trail. If visiting between spring and fall, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes that live along the trail.”

Paulina Creek Falls

As you ascend the slopes of Newberry Volcano en route to its caldera—and the beating heart of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument—give yourself a few minutes to admire Paulina Creek Falls (also known as Paulina Falls). The 80-foot double waterfall, with two plumes tumbling side by side, is fed by nearby Paulina Lake—and drops into a boulder-strewn streambed below. Even in late summer, when the waterfall’s flow has slowed, it remains an impressive site as it tumbles over a shelf of volcanic rock. Visitors have two choices for taking in the beauty of Paulina Creek Falls. The first comes from the Paulina Falls Day-Use Area, which sits just beyond the parking area and above the waterfall; here, a wheelchair-accessible trail heads to picnic tables and a wide-open overlook. If you’re looking for another viewpoint, follow the short Paulina Falls Trail (0.4 miles round-trip) to Paulina Creek at the bottom of the waterfall—where creekside views comprise both plumes and the conifer forest the surrounds them. The trail drops roughly 100 feet along the way. However you choose to visit, keep in mind that the viewpoint and trail is typically open between June and October.

Benham Falls East Day Use

Benham Falls is a quick-drop cascade in the Deschutes River, not far from Bend and Sunriver—and is among Central Oregon’s most popular outdoor destinations. It formed after nearby Lava Butte erupted some 6,000 years ago and remains a remarkable site in all seasons today. It can be easily viewed from two trailheads—including the Benham Falls East Day Use Area and Trailhead, which invites visitors to enjoy a short hike before seeing the waterfall. From the Benham Falls East Day Use Area and Trailhead, it’s a 0.7-mile (one-way) walk to the waterfall via the Deschutes River Trail. Along the way, hikers enjoy views of ancient lava flows, hearty stands of ponderosa pine, and the crystal-clear Deschutes River itself. From the trail, signs point to an overlook of the 25-foot-tall waterfall, which looks more like a series of raging rapids than a typically dramatic cascade. (Fun fact: Benham Falls is actually the largest waterfall on the upper Deschutes River.) The waterfall churns through a narrow gorge surrounded by pine trees, creating a picturesque view. The Deschutes River Trail is accessible year-round, but hikers should exercise caution if visiting in snowier months. Between March and May, Benham Falls—fed by rain and snowmelt—is at its most dramatic. Watch for mosquitos between May and early July.

Cline Falls State Park

Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint sits just west of Redmond alongside the Deschutes River—and makes a pleasant pitstop for picnicking, fishing, hiking, and soaking up the sun.

Sahalie and Koosah Falls

Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls are two of Central Oregon’s most celebrated waterfalls, with picturesque cascades surrounded by thick forests—and neither requires much effort to view.