WHITE RIVER FALLS

HIKE STATS:

Distance: 1 mile out and back

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Trailhead elevation: 1,040 feet

Trail high point: 1,040 feet

Season: all year (avoid winter storms and summer heat)

Best: March – May

Pass: none needed

GPS Track: May 2025

On the traditional lands of:

 

DIRECTIONS:

  • From wherever you begin, make your way to the town of Tygh Valley. Maupin is 29 miles south of The Dalles and 100 miles north of Bend via US 97 and 197.

  • From just north of Tygh Valley, turn east on OR 216 at a sign for White River Falls and Sherars Bridge.

  • Once on this road, drive east for 4 miles to the well-marked state park on the right.

  • During winter months, you will have to park at a lot just off the highway, but from April through October you can drive through the gate and continue 0.2 mile to a parking lot with a bathroom.

  • Trailhead: White River Falls State Park (Google Maps)

 

Hike: The White River flows off the east side of Mount Hood and tumbles through a deep canyon that few other than river rafters ever see. Near its confluence with the Deschutes River, this canyon climaxes in a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring waterfall that some have called the very best in the entire state. When I first visited White River Falls many years ago few hikers had ever heard of it, and in the years since it has become a popular destination portrayed in many photos, videos, and even on the state highway map. Despite its enduring fame, White River Falls is truly one of Oregon's most extraordinary waterfalls, and worthy of a stop or even a road trip from wherever you call home. The only problem here is the brevity of the hike; you’ll find yourself wishing the hike was much, much longer. Make a visit to the falls part of a longer trip to the Badger Creek Wilderness or one of the other hikes in this area such as Macks Canyon or Criterion Ranch.

From the parking lot, follow the sound of raging water to a fenced overlook of the falls. The view of the falls from this side is obstructed but breathtaking. Note the number of fences asking visitors to stay out of the water, advice you should heed. Locate the paved trail heading across a bridge and downhill. At a junction just beyond this bridge, turn right and proceed to hike downhill on a rough set of stairs. In April and May balsamroot lines this slope, adding color to the scene. Near the bottom of this set of stairs is a rocky promontory with a direct view of the falls, where at last both tiers have come into view. You may have to wait your turn here; this is the best view of White River Falls and you should expect competition from awestruck hikers and photographers. The falls is a two-tiered monster, dropping 110 feet first down a wide shelf, then a narrow plunge. For some reason the lower tier of the falls has been named Celestial Falls, but this is all a single waterfall.

Below this viewpoint, the stairs lead you to the bottom of the canyon. On your right here is the remains of a hydroelectric plant from the 1920s. Hikers were once able to explore the rusting machinery and rotting innards of this building but today everything is fenced off here. Please adhere to this closure, as the building is dangerous and is justifiably condemned. Hikers should instead continue downstream beyond the building, where the trail becomes brushy, occasionally getting lost amid dense sagebrush and wild rose. Continuing downstream another 10 minutes will take you to the brink of Lower White River Falls. This cataract is far less impressive than its upstream sibling but compensates with fantastic columns of columnar basalt. There are numerous rocky outcrops to sit and gaze upon the river and falls here, in this oasis in the high desert. Even though you’ve only hiked a half-mile from the trailhead, you should stop here. Beyond this point the trail becomes rough and faint as you scramble over steep, muddy slopes in this rugged, narrow canyon. There are no waterfalls downstream. More than 2 miles downstream of the lower falls, you’ll reach the Deschutes River. Few hikers make it this far, and I cannot recommend it. From the lower falls, return the way you came.

Lower White River Falls.