About Steelhead Falls Trail
In steps, it is only about .5 miles from the trailhead to Steelhead Falls. In terms of geologic time, it is a few million years. Colorful grooves decorate cliffs and show the erosion of time. Wildflowers dot the slopes in the spring and golden eagles soar overhead. The trail to the falls is relatively easy, with one small, steep section. Hike down for a picnic, fish in the Deschutes River, explore the rocky shores, or just sit and relax and let the sound of the falls erase the world around you.The Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area (WSA) (OR-5-14) is part of a larger study area that includes U.S. Forest Service lands. This WSA is located in a triangle formed by the towns of Madras, Redmond and Sisters, in Central Oregon. The Steelhead Falls study area is a long narrow area located along the upper Deschutes River, within and adjacent to the U.S. Forest Service-administered Crooked River National Grasslands.Know Before You GoOpen YEAR ROUND.Open for overnight camping; sites are first come, first served.Amenities include limited trailer parking and an outhouse, but no potable water.Campfires are allowed; fire restrictions are in effect in the summer.Pets should remain under owner control at all times and leashed at the trailhead and in the camping area.Watch where you put your feet and hands: rattlesnakes can hide around rocks and under brush!Point of InterestNeed more trail time before heading home or setting up camp? Take the Foley Waters trail off the south end of the Steelhead Falls parking lot for some more views!
How to Get 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 1/2 mile and take a left on River Road. Take River Road downhill to the Steelhead Falls Trailhead and campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Steelhead Falls Trail
Heading to Steelhead Falls Trail? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Steelhead Falls Trail?
No central reservation system listed for Steelhead Falls Trail. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/15094) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Steelhead Falls Trail?
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 1/2 mile and take a left on River Road. Take River Road downhill to the Steelhead Falls Trailhead and cam…
How do I contact Steelhead Falls Trail?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-416-6700 or email: BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
