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Hiking the Tumalo Falls Loop

July 20, 2020 By Jeff H 4 Comments

Hiking to Tumalo Falls is one of the “must-see” sights in the outdoor mecca that is Bend, Oregon. The namesake waterfall is a short walk from the trailhead parking, but most people don’t realize that there is so much more to see – if you’re willing to put in some miles.

img
Trail Details
Distance: 9.6 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,625 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: June-October
This route forms a loop that begins and ends near the Tumalo Falls parking area, following the North Fork of  Tumalo Creek upstream, past not only Tumalo Falls, but also Double Falls, Upper Tumalo Falls, and countless unnamed (but equally beautiful) cascades. You’ll continue to the junction with the Metolius-Windigo Trail, climbing to a the Mrazek Trail along a ridgeline, and finally returning via the Farewell Trail, with views of Mount Bachelor, Broken Top and South Sister. It’s a 9.6 mile loop that makes a perfect half-day trek.

One extra perk? After the first mile, you’ll leave the crowds behind. 

Getting to Tumalo Falls

The trailhead parking area is 13.5 miles west of downtown Bend. Take Skyliners Road to Tumalo Falls Road, crossing Tumalo Creek on a one-lane bridge, and following a washboard gravel road another 2.5 miles to the parking area. There is a fee station that takes cash or cards for day use parking. If the parking area is full, you can also park on the side of the road (obey all signs). The fee still applies. Get turn-by-turn driving directions via Google Maps.

There is no water at the trailhead, but there are pit toilets.

Hiking the Tumalo Falls to Farewell Loop Trail

Start with a a look at the Tumalo Falls viewpoint, just steps from the trailhead.

Tumalo Falls

Head back to the trail and start up hill. After a short climb, you’ll come to a overlook trail with a railing. There are several viewpoints along the way to the top of the falls.

Approaching the top of Tumalo Falls
View from the top of Tumalo Falls
View from the top of Tumalo Falls

This is where most people stop and turn around, missing out on the beauty of Tumalo Creek and it’s many falls and cascades. Head back to the main trail as it parallels the creek and heads upstream.

At one mile, you’ll see a signpost for a viewpoint on the cliff, overlooking the aptly named Double Falls.

Double Falls on Tumalo Creek

At the two-mile mark, you reach Upper Tumalo Falls.

Upper Tumalo Falls

A quarter mile past Upper Tumalo Falls, you cross the Middle Fork of Tumalo Creek via a log bridge.

Log Bridge over Tumalo Creek

There are numerous cascades and falls, now on the south side of the trail.

Cascade on the Middle Fork of Tumalo Creek

At 3.5 miles, you join the Swampy Lakes Trail.  Continue to the right towards Happy Valley. You get a break from the climbing as the trail continues. At 4 miles, you reach the junction with the Metolius-Windigo Trail. Here you turn north, crossing the creek on another log bridge and begin climbing towards the ridge.

Note that this is the last chance for water on the trail. The remainder of the trail is dry and has more sun exposure. If you do refill water bottles here, be sure to filter or treat it.

Approaching Happy Valley
Nearing Happy Valley
Swampy Lakes Trail Junction
Swampy Lakes Junction

Near the ridgeline, the trail briefly joins Forest Service Road #4601. Turn right (east) and in about 20 yards, take the Mrazek Trail to the right.

Forest Sevice Road

The Mrazek trail parallels the Forest Service road, lower on the ridgeline. At ~6.25 miles you reach the junction with the Farewell Trail. Turn right and follow this trail back down to Tumalo Falls. The views begin to open up, give you a chance to see Tumalo Mountain (with Mount Bachelor peeking over it’s shoulder), Broken Top and South Sister.

Farewell Trail sign
View from the Farewell Trail
Mount Bachelor, Tumalo Mountain, Broken Top and South Sister

This descent on the Farewell Trail has more exposure, and can get hot in the afternoon sun.

Tumalo Falls to Farewell Loop Trail Map & Elevation Profile

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download file: tumalo-falls-loop.gpx

Tumalo Falls Tips & Resources

  • Looking for something a little shorter? Hike up to the Swampy Lakes Trail, then turn around and turn it into an out-and-back. You could choose your own halfway point — Double Falls, Upper Tumalo Falls, or further.
  • This route is also perfect for mountain biking. Note that while hikers can travel in either direction on the North Fork trail, bikes are only allowed uphill.
  • Check the official Deschutes National Forest website for latest trail restrictions and conditions.

Originally hiked on July 4, 2020 with Joan and our two Austrailian Labradoodles, Lucy and Farley.

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 8-10 miles, Deschutes National Forest, dog-friendly, moderate, Oregon, scenic, waterfall

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Jeff H

About Jeff H

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. Bend Local says

    September 7, 2020 at 10:22 pm

    Hi Jeff, I just saw a link to your post via another public forum. It sounds like you are quite the prolific hiker. I am as well (I’m a triple crowner++) and I also enjoy mountain biking. Based on your bio, it’s doesn’t appear you’re a Bend local, so I wanted to make sure you were aware that the Farewell Trail is primarily a downhill mountain bike trail. With all the tight corners and steep drop offs it isn’t great for hiking. Happy hiking!

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      September 8, 2020 at 8:52 am

      Hey (fellow) Bend Local! I live in northeast Bend. My recommendation for hiking is to do this as an out-and-back to Happy Valley, mainly because the Farewell Trail is hot, dry and more exposed.

      I also do some mountain biking (that’s part of how this site was started) although I’m more interested in bikepacking these days. I’ve got another segment of the Oregon Timber Trail planned for later in September.

      Reply
  2. GGreco says

    January 7, 2021 at 7:07 am

    Is that a ruffwear harness on the dog? Looks similar to the one I see on Albert (my Beagle).

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      January 11, 2021 at 10:10 am

      Sure is. We look like a Ruffwear catalog when we take the dogs out. They are a local Bend company, too.

      Reply

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