Steelhead Falls - Deschutes River | Hiking, Fishing, Swimming

A remote atmospheric waterfall, Steelhead Falls is a hidden oasis that was formed a few million years ago. Lined by colorful 25-foot cliffs, the 20-foot waterfall drops into a deep canyon that was formed at about the same time span as the waterfall.

A part of the National Conservation Lands, the Steelhead Falls area offers a variety of recreation activities. Hikers take a scenic 0.5-mile trail that runs along the river from the parking area. During your hike you will enjoy fantastic bird’s views of geological outcrops and the picturesque river, winding between rocky walls of the bluffs. You can continue your trip downstream for about a mile.

The area features a deep rocky gorge with cliff jumping opportunities at the base of the gorgeous waterfall. A popular stretch of the Deschutes River above and below the waterfall is a popular destination for anglers, swimmers, cliff jumpers, and experienced whitewater rafters.

Steelhead Falls is well-known for summer water activities including swimming and cliff jumping. The river at the waterfall base features a large swimming area below the waterfall, cliffs and rocky outcroppings on both sides of the canyon serve as jumping spots for young adventure seekers. Jumping off the cliffs near the waterfall is quite risky.

Further down the trail, you can find comfortable access to the river, sandy spots, and smaller cliffs for relatively safe jumping.

The Deschutes River is feeding by snowmelt. For this reason, its water is extremely cold most of the year. The best time for swimming here is July and August. At the end of July, the surface river temperature near the falls was 64°F. The current below the falls is moderate during the summer month.

Hiking

The well-marked trail inside the canyon is packed with hikers during summer weekends. The trip to the waterfall is relatively easy but there are a few slanted parts that are slippery and steep. Use sturdy hiking shoes.

The trail has many random turns, so follow the signs and hike along the river.

Distance from the trailhead: 0.5 miles
Hike Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation gain: 140 ft (73 m)

Fishing

Along the trail up and down the waterfall, you can find signs directed to deep pools that are good for fishing. Anglers can catch hatchery steelhead, rainbow and brown trout. Only artificial flies and lures are allowed. A tagged wild fish must be released.

Disclaimer

Swimming holes associated with cliff jumping can be extremely dangerous. Variations in water levels, rocks that are not immediately visible, or even shifts in river bottoms due to strong currents can all lead to undesirable consequences including serious injury and death. It is, therefore, very important to check current conditions and all associated risks and concerns. Make safe decisions!

Watch out for rattlesnakes. They might be hiding near heavy brush, under logs, and in rock crevices.

Open: Year-round
Managed by: BLM

Amenities: Vault toilet at the trailhead, no water
Activities: Swimming, cliff jumping, hiking, fishing, & nature viewing

Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Free
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Popularity: Moderate to high

Elevation (waterfall): 2,400 ft (732 m)

Steelhead Falls is located:

15 miles north of Redmond
32 miles north of Bend
147 miles southeast of Portland.

Total height: 20 ft (6 m)
Watercourse: Deschutes River
Number of drops: Three
Primary form: Segmented Plunges
Seasonality: 12 months