One Of Oregon's Best-Kept Secrets Is An Enchanting Waterfall That Feels Like A Fairytale

Strap on your hiking boots, boys and girls, because today we're heading on an adventure straight from the pages of a Pacific Northwest fairytale. Thankfully, this story doesn't include the dangers of dragons or trolls. It does, however, involve traveling along a scenic route to a mystical place deep within the heart of the Deschutes National Forest. Just half an hour from the stunning West Coast destination of Bend, Oregon (known for its gorgeous natural surroundings and fabulous craft beer scene), sits a cascading waterfall over 90 feet tall, surrounded by fragrant pine trees and towering cliffsides. The best part? Unlike many natural wonders that sometimes take blood, sweat, and tears to witness, getting up close and personal with Tumalo Falls is as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. In fact, to view this natural beauty with hardly any effort at all, the parking lot is just a short distance from the falls' lower viewpoint and a half-mile hike from the upper viewpoint.

Tumalo Falls is a stunning place where geology, ecology, and beauty collide to make the perfect nature cocktail. The falls crash down into Tumalo Creek, which winds its way through canopies of fir and pine. Visitors can come to the Deschutes National Forest year-round, however, the gravel road leading to Tumalo Falls is only open seasonally from May through November. Those looking to visit in winter will have to hike or snowshoe their way to the falls. A $5 per vehicle recreation site pass is required to enter, available for purchase in the lot. As this is a popular photography spot in Oregon, weekends and summer days bring crowds, so aim for an early morning or off-season excursion if possible.

Luckily for those seeking even more of an adventure than just Tumalo Falls, it's not a one-and-done destination. In fact, a whole series of waterfalls and scenic viewpoints lie just upstream from the falls. For a hike that requires a bit more effort than the simple walk up to the viewpoint have a few options to choose from. Starting off easy, the hike to Double Falls is a 2-mile out-and-back trail passing by different vantage points of Tumalo Falls and leading to a two-tiered waterfall. To continue past Double Falls, keep walking on the North Fork Trail towards Upper Tumalo Falls, a 4.6-mile out-and-back trail. 

Those on the hunt for even more of a challenge can extend the trip all the way to Happy Valley along the North Fork Trail via the Tumalo Falls Loop hike, totaling about 8.2 miles round trip. This hike is great way to get away from the crowds that gather around Tumalo Falls, and is typically accessible from late June to mid-October. It's important to note a few things about this trail before you go. First, while dogs are allowed in most of the park (on a leash), they are not permitted on the tail end of this loop, the Bridge Creek Trail, because it crosses into the City of Bend Watershed. Second, part of the complete Tumalo Falls Loop requires crossing a creek, which is much easier to do later in the season when the water levels are lower. And finally, Tumalo Falls is not located within Tumalo State Park, but a few miles up the road, so make sure you're headed to the correct place. 

Although there are no campsites near the falls, those looking to spend more time in the area can find a few different camping options nearby. First, about 15 miles southeast of Tumalo Falls, visitors will find scenic Tumalo State Park is the perfect place to camp, with 77 tent and RV sites, seven yurts, and two seasonal group sites to choose from. Camping here is year-round, and reservations can be made up to six months in advance. The park also offers access to the Deschutes River, where explorers can spend the day fishing and swimming. The Camp, an RV park under a mile from Bend, is also a great option for campers who enjoy creature comforts, as it offers tons of great amenities from fire pits and Wi-Fi to laundry facilities. Other options include Piknik Place (with two tent and RV sites on 20 acres of farm land) and Shelter at Castle Rock Farms (a 40-acre space offering two glamping spaces and two tent and RV sites). 

Those seeking more outdoor adventures in the area can also check out Shevlin Park, a nearly 1,000-acre outdoor space just 10 minutes outside of downtown Bend. Hike or bike one of their beautiful trails, or spend the day fishing in the park's pond. If you're looking for activities nearby that don't involve hiking, biking, or fishing, spend the day exploring one of Bend's 30 breweries along the Bend Ale Trail, a self-guided beer tour enabling visitors the chance to sip their way through many of Bend's delicious craft beers. Next time you're seeking a great outdoor escape or heading off on a scenic Pacific Northwest road trip, be sure to keep Tumalo Falls in mind.