Bottom Line:
Short but beautiful hike down the Deschutes River canyon to gorgeous Steelhead Falls. The falls have a plunge pool with inviting cliffs for jumping in the warmer summer months. But this is an all-season desert trip. The hike follows the river through a juniper and scrub-dotted canyon, with golden grasses and steep layered cliffs showing the erosion of time. It is relatively easy with one short, steep section upon the descent into the canyon soon after leaving the trailhead. Plenty of exploration opportunities!
Stats
- Duration: 1-1/2 hours
- Distance: 3 miles
- Vertical: 400 ft
- Weather: Partly sunny, warm for February!
- Trail: Good condition, a few spots of frozen ground in the shade but not really icy, rockier with some erosion near the falls; no snow
The is a good Madras/Redmond/Bend OR area hike southwest of Madras, ~80 miles south of Goldendale WA via Hwy97. Federal BLM land requiring a pass like an America the Beautiful annual pass. Plenty of parking. There were quite a number of fishermen at the falls, where a narrow concrete fishing platform provides good river access.
The beautiful Juniper trees alone make for a stunning hike. The canyon and river provide an incredible setting for these trees. A very short video is attached that provides a better sense of the canyon - nothing fancy :)
Note that the map icon on this trail report does not show the correct Oregon location. Also, the road to Tumalo Falls is closed about 2-1/2 miles from the viewpoint, with snow that both cross-country skiers and snowshoers were navigating.
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