Steelhead Falls

Details

Region: Central Oregon

Location: River Rd, Terrebonne, OR 97760, northwest of Redmond

DEN Rating: 8/10

Trail Length: 1.8 miles total

Trail Type: out and back

Hike Time: 30 – 50 minutes total

Trail Difficulty: moderately easy 4/10

Elevation Gain: 180 feet

Trail Surface: sandy loose dirt and gravel, steps

Popularity: 4/10

Family friendly: yes

Pet friendly: yes

Handicapped Accessible: no

Swimming: yes

Camping: yes

Restroom: vault toilet at trailhead

Open Hours: trail is day-use only

Season: year-round

Pass or Permit: none required

Managed By: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

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Steelhead Falls pours beautifully into a big pool on the Deschutes River in Oregon.

Deep in a desert canyon carved by the mighty Deschutes River, thundering Steelhead Falls pours into it’s frothy pool.

Steeling The Thunder

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Thundering Steelhead Falls on Central Oregon’s iconic Deschutes River boils and churns as it drops into it’s massive pool. This shot is from my first, and thus far only, visit to this powerful waterfall deep in a desert canyon. There are several viewpoints looking upstream at the falls, but after enjoying exploring the beautiful area … Read more

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Category: Galleries by Subject, 2/3 Aspect Ratio, Desert Landscapes, Eastern Oregon, Galleries By Location, Galleries by Orientation, Galleries by Season, Landscape / Horizontal, Summer, Waterfalls

Tags: Deschutes River, Oregon desert, Oregon rivers, Oregon waterfalls, Steelhead Falls

Set in an impressive canyon, Steelhead Falls is an emerald oasis in the Central Oregon desert landscape that’s worth a visit. This wide and powerful 20-foot plunge on the upper Deschutes River pours down a few channels into a frothing bowl with a perfect head-on viewpoint. Fishing is popular here, and the river below the falls is calm and flat with a few fun rock-jumping spots, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot summer day. Head down onto the rocks above the falls to access the soaking pools in the small fish ladder channel.

The trail down to the falls is relatively easy except for the steeper section which starts about 1/4 of the way to the falls. It’s not the steepness that’s the issue – it’s the slippery trail surface. Once the trail reaches near the canyon bottom it levels out considerably. There are some cool rock formations above the falls next to the trail. Beyond the falls the trail continues for another 1/4 mile before thinning out as the canyon walls steepen and the trail climbs, becoming game trails amongst more monoliths.

I visited in the early evening in August 2024 and it was just perfect, with very few people, delightful temperature with a soft breeze, and no mosquitos. There are several views of the falls, not just from the main viewpoint but also from up higher on the trail and from a rock point further downstream. Bring a picnic lunch or a snack with you and hang out for awhile on one of the points next to the river under the shade of the little trees. I love how green it is next to the river, like a trim added to the edge of a ribbon. The canyon walls are decently tall as well so it feels like a mini Grand Canyon when you’re there. To top it all off I watched an osprey fly down the canyon with a fish in it’s talons!

A view looking down a desert river canyon on a summer evening. The river snakes from near the bottom left corner to the center of image before disappearing behind a dark canyon wall on the left. Bands of rock layers flank the tall cliff on the right, and pine trees and vegetation grow near the canyon floor and along the river. The dead, broken base of a tree stands in the lower right corner amongst dry grass. The sky is mostly white with thin clouds. — *Fantastic views of the desert canyon open up a few minutes into the hike to Steelhead Falls, including this downstream view.*

Just down the road from the trailhead is an undeveloped camping area which is open year-round and has large enough clear areas for RVs. The only ammenity is the vault toilet near the trailhead – no picnic tables, built-in grills, trash cans, or water. Still this is a beautiful setting to camp in and it’s nice that there’s a free camping area.

Steelhead Falls is yet another reason why Central Oregon is such a treasure. It’s a nice alternative to the more popular State Parks nearby like Smith Rock and Cove Palisades, and close enough that a quick visit here could easily be added to a day at either park. It’s got a wilderness feel even though it’s only about 20 minutes outside of Redmond and 45 minutes from Bend both of which are big towns with full services and plenty of lodging options. Next time you’re in the area take an hour and check out beautiful Steelhead Falls!

This photo looks down the Deschutes River in Central Oregon as is gently flows through a desert canyon on a peaceful summer evening. Grey and cream-colored bands of clouds near the horizon and the blue sky above are reflected by the water. A large juniper tree growing from a group of rocks fills the right edge of the image. — *Looking downstream below Steelhead Falls to the swimming area on a gentle summer evening.*

Swimming Hole Info

The big pool below the falls is a fantastic swimming hole, with some rock jumps in the 15-20 foot range, followed by shallower areas downstream. The small pools in the fish ladder make great soaking pools for just hanging out.

summer water temp: cold 60F-65F
water clarity: 3-6ft
color: jade green
Depth: 10-20ft, shallower downstream
Current: 0 – 5 (strong next to falls)
Shoreline & stream bottom surface: rocks

Cautions

The trail surface is the biggest danger. It is slippery! Wear good shoes and use hiking poles if you’re feeling uneasy. Hiking back up is honestly easier than hiking down. Winter ice makes the slipperiness even worse. Stay out of the river above the falls as being swept over could be fatal – the fish ladder pools are safe when the river is at normal summer flow levels as long as you do not climb over the little concrete wall and into the main channel. Watch (and listen) for rattlesnakes especially the evening and early morning. Ticks are a very remote possibility, as are cougars. If you’re visiting in the warm season remember to wear sunscreen as there is little shade and lots of heat during the middle of the day, and bring plenty of water!

The blue-green waters of Oregon's Deschutes River pour over Steelhead Falls.

I prefer this side view, shot from the upper trail, to the more standard head-on angle that the main viewpoint provides of Steelhead Falls because this angle gives a better view of the incredible churning boils in the falls pool.

Liquid Jade

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The blue-green waters of Oregon’s Deschutes River pour over Steelhead Falls, dropping 20 feet in two side-by-side channels into a huge churning pool on a shady summer evening. Set deep in a desert canyon north of Redmond, the river’s life-giving water creates stripes of lush green vegetation along it’s shores, adding to the oasis-like feel … Read more

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Category: Galleries by Subject, 2/3 Aspect Ratio, Desert Landscapes, Eastern Oregon, Galleries By Location, Galleries by Orientation, Galleries by Season, Landscape / Horizontal, Summer, Waterfalls

Tags: Deschutes River, Oregon desert, Oregon rivers, Oregon waterfalls, Steelhead Falls

Getting There

From Redmond, head north on Hwy 97 to Terrebonne and turn west on NE Lower Bridge Way. Go two miles and take a right on NW 43rd Street. Follow that 1.8 miles to Chinook Drive. Go almost a mile and take a left onto Badger Road. Travel one mile and turn right on Quail Road. Follow Quail Road for .5 mile and take a left on River Road. Take River Road downhill to the Steelhead Falls Trailhead and campground.

Photographer’s Tip

The falls face north, meaning backlighting especially around midday, however since the falls isn’t that tall it’s likely not as big of an issue here in summer. The lofty canyon walls create even shadow earlier in the morning and again in late afternoon. I recommend the view of the falls from the upper trail before the main viewpoint – it’s more of a side view but far more interesting. I used my 70-300 zoom lens and when shooting from tne downstream rock.