• COVID-19 Park and Trail Closures
  • Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
  • Shop
  •  

SoCal Hiker

  • Find a Hiking Trail
    • All Areas
    • Arizona
    • Colorado
    • Los Angeles
    • Orange County
    • Oregon
    • San Francisco Bay
    • Washington
  • Trail Guides
  • Six-Pack of Peaks
    • Colorado Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Bergen Peak
      • Rocky Mountain
      • Birthday Peak
      • Horseshoe Mountain
      • Grays Peak
    • New England Six-Pack of Peaks
    • NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Mount Umunhum
      • Mount Saint Helena
      • Mount Tamalpais
      • Mount Diablo
      • Mount Sizer
      • Rose Peak
    • Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Tumalo Mountain
      • Black Butte
      • Black Crater
      • Maiden Peak
      • Mount Bachelor
      • South Sister
    • SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Mt. Wilson
      • Cucamonga Peak
      • Mt. San Antonio (Mt Baldy)
      • San Bernardino Peak
      • San Jacinto Peak
      • San Gorgonio
  • Backpacking
    • High Sierra Trail
    • John Muir Trail
      • Overview of the John Muir Trail
      • Training
      • Day-by-Day Itinerary
      • Resupply Addresses
      • JMT Discussion Forum
    • Lost Coast Trail
    • North/South Lake Loop
    • Rae Lakes Loop
    • Red Peak Pass Loop
    • Theodore Solomons Trail
    • Trans-Catalina Trail
    • Wonderland Trail
  • Gear
  • Forums
    • Latest Topics
    • Ask a Question
    • Campfire
    • Trails
    • Trail Reports
    • Gear Wisdom
    • Classifieds
  • Login

Hiking to Chush Falls in the Three Sisters Wilderness

July 8, 2020 By Jeff H 2 Comments

Chush FallsBeautiful Chush Falls on Whychus Creek is a local favorite in Central Oregon. The trail is an easy trek that parallels Whychus Creek with views of South Sister looming above.

img
Trail Details
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 500 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: June-October
The first time we took this trail, we were looking for something easy for our two dogs, who were training for longer distances. We headed here on a Saturday morning, driving about 50 minutes from Bend to the trailhead. The photos I had seen of the waterfall were spectacular, but we weren’t sure about the steep scramble to the base of the falls. Would it be to tough for the dogs? Spoiler alert: It wasn’t.

Getting to the Trailhead

From Highway 242, in downtown Sisters, turn south on Forest Service Road 16, signed for Three Creek Lake (do not follow FR 15, signed for Squaw Creek, west of town). After 7 miles, turn right onto FR 1514, and proceed just under 5 miles to FR 1514-600. Immediately before crossing Whychus Creek on a large concrete bridge, and turn left. You’ve got five miles of gravel Forest Service road to reach the trailhead, but it’s well worth the car wash you’ll need later.

I was able to use Apple Maps and it got me there without issue.

Hiking the Chush Falls Trail

We reached the trailhead at 8:45am (a late start for us) and were just the third vehicle at the trailhead parking. The trailhead is clearly marked, and the sign suggests the distance to the overlook (end of trail) is two miles, though we clocked a bit more recording on GaiaGPS.

Chush Falls parking
Trailhead parking
Chush Falls Trailhead No 4080
Trailhead

The initial trail is fairly flat, taking you the burned remains of a past forest fire, through manzanita and blossoming snowbrush. It may be bittersweet to see the charred trunks standing as a reminder of the wildfire, but it also opens up views of South Sister and Broken Top — both of which feed the Whychus Creek, making Chush Falls so spectacular.

Dogs on the Chush Falls Trail

Dogs are allowed, on leash.

Wildflowers were blooming in late June. We saw lupine, skyrocket and wild roses. What we didn’t see were crowds. On our way to the falls, we saw one other person and her dog on their way back to the trailhead. Other than that, we had the trail to ourselves.

Snowbrush Ceanothus
Snowbrush
Scarlet Gilia (Skyrocket)
Skyrocket
Nootka (Wild) Rose
Wild Roses

Lupine
Lupine

There were a lot of downed trees across the trail (we counted about 27), but the dogs made a game out of finding the best way to pass them. Bounding over most and ducking under some, they made it look easy and fun. After a little more than two miles, we could hear the roar of the falls. The end of the trail came into view.

End of Trail

To the left of the sign is an overlook where you can see the falls through the trees, but you really need to do a little extra scramble to the base of the falls to get the best views.

Look for a social trail to the right of the TRAIL ENDS HERE sign. It descends fairly steeply through the tree-lined canyon. Taking our time, we were able to pick our route downhill using the trees as handholds at times. No butt-scooting required.

There’s not a lot of room at the base for many people, so were were grateful to be the only ones there. The dogs were more curious about the snacks they smelled in our backpack than the spectacular roaring falls.

Farley & Lucy at the base of Chush Falls
Farley wondering where the snacks are
Lucy at Chush Falls
The closest Lucy came to posing
Chush Falls
Chush Falls

Jeff & Joan

When you’ve had a chance to take your photos and enjoy a moment of zen, it’s a scramble back to the top, then an easy hike back the way you came to the trailhead.

Scramble back to the trail from the base of the falls
4-Paw Drive is handy here
The "Trail" down to Chush Falls
The social trail from the base of the falls

If you’re looking to extend the adventure, there is an upper cascade accessible via a social trail another half mile upstream.

On our return to the trailhead, we encountered numerous of groups making their way toward the falls. If you prefer solitude in the morning, start before 9am.

Chush Falls Trail Map & Elevation Profile

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download file: chush-falls-trail-4080-2.gpx

 

Chush Falls Tips & Resources

  • A free wilderness permit is required, available for self-issue at the trailhead
  • A valid recreation pass is required for parking.
  • Official Deschutes National Forest overview of the Chush Falls Trail
  • No water or toilets available at the trailhead.
  • Get driving directions to the trailhead via Google Maps.
  • Remember to follow the seven Leave No Trace principles.
  • Dogs are allowed on leash.
  • We had no cell service on this trail. I had downloaded the maps for the area into GaiaGPS for offline use, although the trail itself is easy to follow.
  • After the hike, check out Three Creeks Brewing in Sisters. The back patio is dog-friendly.

Originally hiked on June 27, 2019 with Joan and our two labradoodles, Lucy and Farley.

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, dog-friendly, moderate, Oregon, Three Sisters Wilderness, waterfall, wildflowers

Like what you found here at SoCal Hiker? This site is a labor of love. Share your support for the site and help us development of new trail guides and expanded coverage -- make your next outdoor equipment purchase through our advertisers.

You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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. Damavand trek says

    August 1, 2020 at 4:58 am

    Awesome Jeff specially elevation profile!

    Reply
  2. WalkTheLand says

    December 15, 2020 at 3:48 am

    Wow Chush Fall look absolutely incredible – great picture by the way. Love it.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About SoCal Hiker

Jeff on Mount Rainier

I created SoCal Hiker while preparing to thru-hike the John Muir Trail. My goal? Create guides for the best hiking and backpacking trails with enough detail to make it an enjoyable experience for you. And while I started with trails in Southern California, I’ve expanded across the west. We hike each trail to create these guides, sharing practical advice on gear and outdoor skills. Read more…

Connect with SoCal Hiker

  • 22,751 Fans
  • 11,947 Followers
  • Followers
  • 1,717 Followers
  • 5,281 Subscribers
  • 342 Subscribers
SoCalHiker was selected one of USA TODAY's 10 Best Hiking and Outdoor Blogs
Get our day-by-day guide to thru-hiking the John Muir Trail
Get up-to-day wildfire status throughout California

Products

  • Mount Wilson Benchmark Mount Wilson Benchmark $39.95
  • Mt San Jacinto Benchmark $39.95
  • All the Paths T-Shirt $26.50 – $28.00
  • SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Mug $15.95

Sponsors

Sponsor SoCalHiker and see your banner here

Featured Posts

Hiking Belknap Crater in the Mountain Washington Wilderness

Hiking this out-and-back route up Belknap Crater you'll traverse an other-worldly … [Read More...]

Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail

The Oregon Coast is rugged, beautiful and often uncrowded. This bluff-top … [Read More...]

Join Team SoCalHiker at the Climb for Heroes

Team SoCalHiker is climbing Mount Baldy again as part of the annual Climb for Heroes … [Read More...]

Lastest Comments

  • Amy Courtney on Ridgeline Trail
  • Jay Eleanor on Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail
  • Charles Krim on Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail
  • 11 Best California Bikepacking Routes | Wild Lumens on Inside Crystal Cove State Park
  • Ted Thed on Burbank Peak, Cahuenga Peak, Mt. Lee and the Hollywood Sign
Get your SoCalHiker stickers now

Get your SoCalHiker stickers!

Latest Posts

  • Hiking Belknap Crater in the Mountain Washington Wilderness October 20, 2022
  • Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail August 25, 2022
  • Join Team SoCalHiker at the Climb for Heroes August 23, 2022
  • Hiking the Welch-Dickey Loop in the White Mountain National Forest August 18, 2022
  • Hiking Turtlehead Peak from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area July 15, 2022

Recent Forum Topics

  • How to deal with accidents while hiking in the winter?
  • Warm Tips for your hiking in winter
  • Some tips for hiking.
  • Keep your body warm in the winter hiking
  • The benefits of hiking, more than you can imagine!

The Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series

Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge SeriesThe Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series gives you an opportunity to explore your world while supporting a great cause. There are eleven challenges around the country. Hike or run them at your own schedule.

Flex your adventure muscles!

Learn more here.

 

Search

Tags

3-6 miles 6-8 miles 8-10 miles 11+ miles Arizona Backpacking coastal dog-friendly easy family-friendly High Sierra Trail hiking Hiking The John Muir Trail hipster inspiration JMT John Muir John Muir Trail Kings Canyon National Park LA County moderate Mount Rainier National Park Muir Monday National Park Orange County Oregon out of bounds Pacific Crest Trail peak peakbagging quote scenic Sequoia National Park Sierra Nevada Six-Pack of Peaks State Park strenuous Thru-hiking Utah vista Washington waterfall wilderness Wonderland Trail Yosemite

Copyright © 2023 SoCalHiker.net · Metro Theme on Genesis Framework with WPEngine Hosting · Contact SoCal Hiker · Sitemap · Privacy Policy

 

Loading Comments...