5 Waterfalls To Chase In The High Desert Of Central Oregon
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Sarah McCosham
Author
Oregon is a dream destination for waterfall chasers, boasting no less than 230 named falls. But while the Columbia River Gorge and Silver Falls State Park are the places most associated with waterfalls in Oregon, there are some truly incredible cascades hiding where you’d least expect them: the desert! The High Desert region of Central Oregon is flush with fabulous falls, and today we’re sharing some well-worth chasing.
Paulina Creek Falls, Oregon 97739, USA
Located at the intriguing Newberry National
Volcanic Monument, Paulina Falls is comprised of a duo of falls that cascade 80 feet down a rocky outcrop. It's a stunning scene in a stunning place, and easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon's High Desert.
Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA
Deschutes National Forest is a veritable waterfall treasure trove, and that’s where you’ll find a two-mile trail that leads to a double waterfall *and* a scenic overlook, not to mention one of the best-known falls in the state. Tumalo Falls is a gorgeous, 97-foot tall fall that pours into Tumalo Creek in a thunderous rush of water. It's quite a spectacle to behold!
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Speaking of the dazzling Deschutes, Benham Falls is another falls you'll find along this iconic river. While more of a series of cascades than your standard waterfall, Benham Falls is nevertheless a stunning scene along an accessible, 1.5-mile trail.
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Dillon Falls, Oregon 97702, USA
Standing 15 feet tall, Dillon Falls is small but mighty. It's located just a stone's throw from Benham Falls, and is accessible via a short-and-sweet trail from the eponymous Day Use Area.
Northwest Steelhead Falls Drive, NW Steelhead Falls Dr, Oregon 97760, USA
A one-mile (round trip) trail will take you to Steelhead Falls, a breathtaking beauty that plunges into a cerulean blue pool in the Deschutes River. In the spring, the wildflowers surrounding the falls are sublime; in the summer, people love going for a dip in this natural waterfall swimming pool!
Did you know there were so many waterfalls in the High Desert of Central Oregon? How wonderful!
Learn more about this resplendent region, and its new food trail, in this article.
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