• White River Falls is an iconic Oregon waterfall with beauty—and serious hazards
A gem of Oregon's nature, remote White River Falls is located 35 miles south of The Dalles. Originating near White River Glaciers of Mount Hood, the White River flows a distance of 50 miles and joins the lower Deschutes River approximately two miles after the waterfall.
At the time of our visit at the end of August 2019, the river carried large amounts of brownish-yellow sediment, including sand and silt, giving it a milky-white appearance.
The waterfall drops 90 feet over a volcanic basalt shelf. Sometimes called Oregon's mini-Niagara, the waterfall is most active in spring and calmest in summer, when water levels are lower.
The short but steep 0.3-mile trail descends to the beach and abandoned power plant, with a 140-foot climb on the return. The trail is rated as moderate and is best visited from April to October, while the park remains open from mid-March to the end of October.
A second, smaller waterfall, Celestial Falls, lies a quarter-mile downstream and drops 44 feet into a pool.
In addition to stunning views of the waterfalls and surrounding area, the park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
White River Falls Powerplant History
One of the first hydroelectric power plants in Oregon was constructed in 1901 at the base of the waterfall, within a quarter-mile hike from the parking area. The power plant served Sherman and Wasco Counties but was taken out of service in 1963 after the construction of modern hydroelectric plants along the Columbia River.
The historic powerhouse and generators are still in place, but access is not permitted for safety reasons.
The Highest Fatality Rate Park In Oregon
Based on the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) data, White River Falls State Park had the highest rate of fatalities among Oregon parks during the 2002–2012 period, with all deaths related to drowning. During that time, the rate was estimated at 1.02 deaths per 100,000 visitors—about 3.5 times higher than the Cape Lookout State Park on the Coast, which had a rate of 0.29 per 100,000.
Caution: Kayaking is not allowed at the park. Swimming is not recommended due to dangerous river currents. Be sure to follow posted warnings and keep out of the river for safety.
White River Falls State Park Camping & Lodging
Camping is not permitted within White River Falls State Park. White River BLM Campground is located 11 miles away.
Lodging options, including hotels and vacation rentals, are available in The Dalles, 34 miles from the park.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long-term stays nearby
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White River Falls | Facts
Open: Year-round for day-use
Managed: Oregon State Parks
Amenities: Flush restroom at the trailhead, no water
Activities: Hiking, fishing, nature viewing, and photography
Distance from the trailhead: 0.3 miles
Hike Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation gain: 140 ft (73 m)
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Free
Elevation (waterfall): 940-1,080 ft (287-329 m)
White River Falls is located:
- 34 miles south of The Dalles
- 104 miles north of Bend
- 104 miles southeast of Portland.
Waterfall Facts
Total height: 90 ft (27 m)
Watercourse: White River
Primary form: Segmented Horsetails
Seasonality: 12 months
Adventures Nearby
Directions to White River Falls
In The Dalles,
- Take US-197 and drive south for about 28 miles to OR-216
- Turn right onto OR-216 and go 4 miles to the White River Falls State Park.
Phone: 541-739-2322