Despite being in the high desert, Bend offers many amazing water-related excursions. The Deschutes River and the Cascade Lakes provide ample opportunities for Bend residents and visitors to swim, SUP, fish, and kayak.

Steelhead Falls near Terrebonne is a hike and swim excursion that is one of the best in the Bend Oregon area.  The Deschutes Canyon around Steelhead Falls is a great area to hike in general. 

But if you are looking for a destination to get in the water on a warm day, this is the place.

a Smiling Man and Woman Pose for a Selfie Outdoors by Steelhead Falls Near a River and Small Waterfall They Wear Sunglasses Hats and Athletic Clothing Behind Them is Lush Greenery Trees Rocky Terrain and Flowing Water Under a Sunny Sky

Steelhead Falls Oregon - Contents

a River with Rippling Blue Green Water Flows Past Rocky Shrub Covered Banks Near Steelhead Falls Two People Are Swimming One in the Center Raising Their Arms As Sunlight Illuminates the Water and Dry Terrain Above the Rocks

What Makes the Hike and Swim in Steelhead Falls Oregon So Amazing

This trailhead is just west of Terrebonne, about 40 minutes north of Bend.  The hike to the falls is only about 0.5 miles, but you will immediately notice the beauty of the canyon.

Arriving at the falls, you will come upon a perfect viewpoint of the Deschutes River falling 20 feet over multiple rock cliffs.  

The surrounding canyon looks like an oasis with juniper trees and wildflowers.  It’s a perfect place for families, a picnic, and most of all – swimming.

a Clear River Flows Through a Valley Bordered by Tree Covered Hills and Rocky Cliffs Under a Bright Blue Sky Near Steelhead Falls Lush Green Bushes and Grasses Grow Along the Riverbanks with Scattered Rocks Visible in the Water

A large pool of water lies at the bottom of the falls, which is very swimmable.  It is possible swim right up to the falls, and there are lots of surrounding rock formations for super fun cliff diving!

Nicole and I visiting again in July 2025 and a group had strung a cable across the river so they could take turns zip-lining across the pools of water.

Steelhead Falls Oregon Basics

Steelhead Falls is technically in the Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area (WSA) (OR-5-14).  Madras, Sisters, and Redman surround this WSA, and itself is filled with outdoor excursions, all close to Bend.

Steelhead Falls begins from a trailhead about 15 minutes west of Terrebonne and about 40 minutes total from downtown Bend.  The hike from the trailhead to the falls is quite short and mostly easy, with a few uphill stretches, but very good for families and dogs.

  • Total Distance:  0.5 Miles
  • Total Duration:  10-15 minutes
  • Trailhead Location:  8 miles west of Terrebonne
  • Distance from Downtown Bend:  ~32 miles or 40 minutes
  • Open:  Year Round
  • Permit:  Not Required (Free)
  • Parking:  Small lot at trailhead, no permit required
  • Pets:  Allowed on Leash
a Person in a Red Cap Sunglasses Blue Shirt Beige Shorts and Sneakers Stands Smiling Beside a Steelhead Falls Trail Signboard Filled with Notices and Maps They Carry a Backpack Amid Sunny Surroundings of Dry Grass and Sparse Trees

The Hike to Steelhead Falls

I’ve been to this spot many times with Nicole and my family, mostly on hot summer days when we are looking to cool off in the water. It can get crowded on warm summer days, but don’t let that stop you; it’s a tremendous Bend Excursion anytime.

It can also be a perfect place for a quick dip after a hike in the surrounding area, for example, after hiking at Smith Rock State Park.

a Person in a Red Cap Blue Shirt Khaki Shorts and a Backpack Hikes Up a Sunlit Dirt Trail Through Dry Grass and Shrubs Near Steelhead Falls Beside Rugged Cliffs and Pine Trees Under a Clear Blue Sky

It’s also relatively easy to get to, but feels very secluded, almost like a ‘secret spot’ once you arrive at the trailhead.  Parking is free and easy, and no permits are required.  Feel free to bring your dog.

a Weathered Wooden Post with a Fishing Trail Hikers Only Sign Stands on a Dirt Path Overlooking Steelhead Falls Surrounded by Bushes Rocky Terrain and Tall Pine Trees Under a Bright Clear Blue Sky

The Steelhead Falls Canyon

The falls area is a picturesque deep rock canyon that is classic Deschutes.  Juniper trees and other pine scrubs add greenery, as do wildflowers and endless shades of colored rock.

a Clear River Winds Through Lush Green Trees in a Valley Framed by Rocky Layered Cliffs Near Steelhead Falls Evergreen Trees Line the Slopes Beneath a Bright Blue Cloudless Sky Creating a Vibrant and Sunlit Landscape

You’ll want to use caution once leaving the trail at the falls, as you’ll be free-scaling the rocks and boulders in the canyon down to the river.  

But the fun continues as you search for the perfect perch for a picnic or just to hang out.  Shade and sun options are both available.

Two People Walk Down a Dusty Trail Beside a River in the Rocky Dry Landscape of Steelhead Falls with Scattered Trees and a Clear Blue Sky One Wears a Red Shirt and Shorts the Other a Tank Top and Shorts Both Carrying Bags

Even if you don’t plan to swim, exploring this small canyon, climbing the rocks, and checking out various viewpoints of the falls makes for a fun outing in itself.

The hike is short, mostly modest with a few steep sections.  There is the option to make this a longer hike of about 2.5 miles if you extend beyond the falls.

a Person in a Red Shirt and Black Shorts Stands on a Rocky Ledge by Steelhead Falls Gazing at a Small Waterfall Green Trees and Shrubs Surround the Scene with Steep Rocky Hills Under a Clear Blue Sky in the Background

Swimming in the Deschutes Right Up to Steelhead Falls

Assuming you’ve come on a relatively warm day, the main attraction of this outing is the chance to get in the water and swim.  Steelhead Falls also has some great rock perches for cliff diving.

The base of the falls results in a large, relatively calm pool that can be waist high in depth or many feet over your head if you swim closer to the falls (which I recommend you do). 

a Clear River Flows Swiftly Through a Rocky Landscape Lined with Green Grasses and Bushes Near Steelhead Falls Steep Hill Slopes Dotted with Pine Trees Rise on Both Sides Under a Bright Blue Sky on a Sunny Day

In fact, on a crowded day, you will probably see people swimming daringly right up to the base of the falls and climbing rocks on and behind some of the falls.

Two People Stand on a Rocky Cliff Above Steelhead Falls One Preparing to Jump into the River Below Another Person Swims Surrounded by Steep Rock Walls and Sparse Trees All Under Bright Sunlight

The trail side of the river also has one main (but actually several) rock perch for cliff jumping.  My kids and I had loads of fun making this plunge, which is the real deal. 

Obviously, use caution, especially if you are picking your own spot to jump into the water.

a Woman in a Red Tank Top Black Shorts and a Cap Sits on a Rock Ledge at Steelhead Falls Overlooking the River and Cascading Waterfall Surrounded by Rocky Cliffs and Pine Trees Under a Clear Blue Sky Sunlight Illuminating the Scene

Also, keep in mind that the river flow will vary at different times of the year. Springtime means a larger flow and stronger falls, so use more caution when swimming close to the falls during this time.

a Can of Dan Henion Helles Lager Sits on a Sunlit Rock at Steelhead Falls with a River Small Waterfall and Rocky Cliffs Framed by Green Trees in the Blurry Background Under a Clear Blue Skyan Inviting Scenic Outdoor Retreat

If you want simply a calm day in the water, go the opposite direction of the falls, and make your way down the easy flowing Deschutes River and enjoy the scenery.

Additional Tips for Steelhead Falls Oregon

  • You can turn your visit to Steelhead Falls into a more extended 2.5 mile hike
  • Use caution hiking in winter months, can be icy
  • There is a small campground at the trailhead (first come first serve)
  • Many reports of good fishing above and below falls on Deschutes

Suggested After Hike and Swim Refreshment Stop

Logo for Wild Ride Brew Co Featuring a Black Diamond shaped Center with Wrb in Bold White Lowercase Letters Around It Wild Ride Brew Co is Written in Black Along the Diamonds Edges Inspired by the Spirit of Steelhead Falls Adventure with Red X and Diamond Outlines

If you are looking for food + beer stop on your way back to Bend from Steelhead Falls, check out one of breweries in Redmond.  One that we recommend is Wild Ride Brew right in downtown.

More Information and Resources

VisitBend – Steelhead Falls

Oregon Discovery – Steelhead Falls

Bureau of Land Management – Steelhead Falls

Bureau of Land Management – Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls WSA

Looking For More Fun Around Bend?

a Woman Stands on a Rocky Mountain Trail Near Steelhead Falls Looking at Distant Snow Capped Peaks and Green Forests Below She Wears a Black Tank Top Shorts Sneakers and Carries a Pink Rolled Up Mat Patches of Snow Dot the Ground Beneath a Clear Blue Sky

Are you a visitor or resident looking for more fun excursions like this in the Bend area?  Check out some of our other articles:

Best Hikes Around Bend, Oregon

Best Things to Do Around Bend

Best Golf Courses Around Bend

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Glenn VanLandingham Travel Writer
Glenn is a travel enthusiast and adventure seeker who lives in Frederick, Maryland, and Bend, Oregon. He and his wife Nicole use EpicBend and EpicFrederick to chronicle their adventures in these amazing places so others can live their best lives in Frederick and Bend.
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Frederick, Maryland Bend, Oregon
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