Despite being in the high desert, Bend has many amzing water-related excursions. The Deschutes River and the Cascade Lakes provide ample opportunity 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.
What Makes the Hike and Swim in Steelhead Falls 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 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. Its a perfect place for families, a picnic, and most of all – swimming.
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!
Steelhead Falls Basics
Steelhead Falls is technically in the Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area (WSA) (OR-5-14). This WSA is triangled by Madras, Sisters, and Redman 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
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 its 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.
Its also relative easy to get to, but feels very secluded almost like a ‘secret spot’ once you arrive the trailhead. Parking is free and easy, and no permits are required. Feel free to bring your dog.
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.
You’ll want to use caution once leaving the trail at the falls, as you’ll be basically 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.
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.
Swimming in the Deschutes Right Up to Steelhead Falls
Assuming you’ve come on a relative 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). 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.
The trail side of the river also has one main (but actually several) rock perch for cliff diving. 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.
Also keep in mind different parts of the year the river flow will vary. Spring time means a larger flow, and stronger falls so use more caution swimming close to the falls during this time.
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
- 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
