Steelhead Falls Hike

1 mile

200 feet

Easy

No pass needed

Steelhead Falls is a tranquil waterfall surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Deschutes River canyon. Beautiful all year, it becomes irresistible on hot summer days when the sun bakes Oregon’s high desert. The pool below Steelhead Falls is the most stunning swimming hole along the Deschutes River. When it’s cooler, the short and family-friendly hike to the falls is a treat. Look for wildflowers in the spring and wildlife any time. A half mile will get you to the waterfall. If you do the whole trail, it’s about two miles. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Steelhead Falls.

Know before you go

It’s free to visit Steelhead Falls. You don’t need a pass to park.
A vault toilet is next to the parking lot.
Dogs are welcome on the trail to Steelhead Falls.
Watch for rattlesnakes.
The Steelhead Falls Trailhead has a small campground with tent sites and a few places for smaller RV’s. It’s first come first served. There’s no potable water.
Steelhead Falls is usually a good year-round hike. You might need microspikes in winter if it gets snow and ice.

Pair of Canadian geese with four goslings — *Canadian geese near Steelhead Falls*

On the trail to Steelhead Falls

Distance: 1 mile (to Steelhead Falls) or 2 miles (end of trail) out and back

Elevation gain: 200 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Pass required: None

Dog friendly: Yes

ADA access: No

Season: Any. Best from spring through fall.

The details

Depending on which resource you check, the hike to Steelhead Falls is either 1 or 2 miles roundtrip. I was confused by the conflicting info until I visited. If you turn around at the waterfall, it’s one mile. Reasonable. Steelhead Falls is the major attraction. The trail continues for another half mile along the Deschutes River so if you do the whole thing, it’s two miles.

Steelhead Falls Trailhead sign — *Start here*

The most challenging part of the Steelhead Falls Trail is the beginning. You’ll start down a steep but short hill. A few signposts point you toward the falls as you go.

Sign along trail points to Steelhead Falls — *Follow the signs*

As you walk down the hill, you’ll have the first great views of the Deschutes River canyon. The walls have an extraordinary amount of texture. The river carved through sedimentary rock over millions of years, exposing colorful layers. You’ll also see basalt in the canyon, a legacy of the region’s volcanism.

Steelhead Falls trail — *The trail heads down into the canyon*

After a quick descent, you’ll be down at the bottom of the canyon and next to the water. It’s smooth sailing from here. The dirt trail follows the Deschutes River through a landscape of juniper and sagebrush. Look for wildflowers like sand lilies, yellow fritillaries, and balsamroot in spring.

Steelhead Falls Trail next to Deschutes River — *It’ll be pretty flat from here*

You’ll pass some easy-to-reach rocky banks if you want to test the water before the swimming hole. Watch for raptors overhead. I’ve heard this trail is a great place to see eagles, hawks, and ospreys. Mostly, I saw a bunch of Canadian geese, some with goslings. In a half mile, you’ll be at Steelhead Falls.

Steelhead Falls from the side — *Steelhead Falls*

Steelhead Falls is not Oregon’s tallest or most dramatic waterfall, but it has a lot of charm. The 20-foot waterfall tumbles over a rocky ledge in several cascading streams. It looks most impressive in spring when snowmelt fills the river. In summer, the idyllic pool beneath Steelhead Falls becomes a welcome escape from the heat.

Waterfall behind natural pool — *Steelhead Falls and swimming hole*

Just downstream of Steelhead Falls is a tall ledge over the water, which is a cliff-jumping spot. If you try it, be careful to check the water is deep enough before you jump.

Most people stop at Steelhead Falls, especially in the summer. It’s just about as perfect as a hangout spot can be. The cliffs of the canyon form an amphitheater around the waterfall and swimming hole. Sun-kissed rocks along the riverbanks provide many places to lounge. Lizards scurry over the rocks. Birds fly overhead. Canadian geese honk at you. A lot. Like even if you’re really far away and minding your own business. I think the goslings made my presence more offensive to them than usual.

Looking back at Steelhead Falls from farther along the trail — *The trail continues past Steelhead Falls*

If you’re curious to see more, the trail continues for about another half mile past Steelhead Falls. It follows the river and has great views of the Deschutes River canyon until the end. Steelhead Falls is the highlight of the trail, but it’s still lovely if you keep going. Toward the end of the hike, the trail narrows and then kind of peters out. When you’re ready, head back the way you came.

Deschutes River and hiking trail — *The trail past Steelhead Falls*

Getting there

Steelhead Falls is just outside the town of Terrebonne, Oregon. Getting there involves many turns down various country roads. From Terrebonne, take Lower Bridge Market Rd until NW 43rd St, then take a right. In 1.8 miles, turn left onto NW Chinook Dr. Continue for one mile, then turn left onto SW Badger Rd. In 1.8 miles, turn right onto SW Quail Rd. In 1.2 miles, turn left onto SW River Rd, then continue for one mile. The Steelhead Falls Trailhead will be at the end of the road.

The drive from Terrebonne to Steelhead Falls takes 15 minutes. Coming from Bend, it’s 50 minutes. The drive is no problem in a low-clearance vehicle.