• Tumalo State Park features vertical basalt cliffs and a series of riverbend holes
• The park is a popular swimming and fishing destination
The scenic 330-acre Tumalo State Park is located on both sides of the beautiful Deschutes River, just 5 miles northwest of Bend. This spectacular place in the Deschutes National Forest allows you to enjoy wild nature not far from civilization.
The park is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy nature. The stretch of the wild and scenic Deschutes in Tumalo State Park features vertical basalt cliffs lining the north bank and a series of pools on the south side of the river. This destination is extremely popular for swimming, wading, and tubing during summer months. In general, the Deschutes River is too swift for swimming but the Tumalo section of the river is an exception to it.
Great grassy beaches, relatively warm and calm river in summer, sand bottom, and shallow shore – all of these make this location popular among families with kids.
Besides swimming, this waterway is known for excellent brown and rainbow trout fishing year-round.
The 12-mile Deschutes River Trail runs the length of Tumalo State Park, one mile through the day-use area and one mile through the campground.
The day-use area is a large section of green lawn shaded by ponderosa pines, western junipers, and alders with picnic tables and fire rings scattered throughout the park.
Cautions: Be aware, sometimes you can encounter western rattlesnakes. Carefully inspect rocks before sitting down, avoid tall grass and bushes near the river.
Tumalo State Park | General Description
Open: Year-round
Managed by: Oregon State Park
Location: Deschutes River Canyon
Services: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic sites
Activities: Swimming, tubing, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, and picnicking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes or parking permits for State Parks
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Popularity: Moderate to high
Accommodations: 23 full-hookup, 54 tent campsites, 7 yurts, seasonal group camping areas
Elevation: 3,200 ft (975 m)
Tumalo State Park is located:
- 7 miles north of Bend
- 126 miles east of Salem
- 126 miles east of Eugene
- 169 miles southeast of Portland.
Swimming hole rating: 4 out of 5
Body of Water: River
Water quality: Transparent
Current (summer): Light to Moderate
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Sand and river rocks
Water T° (summer): Cool to warm
Adventures Nearby
Directions
From US-20,
- Take O.B. Riley Road and drive 1.3 miles south to Tumalo State Park.
Phone: 800-452-5687, 541-382-3586