Tumalo Falls, Waterfall in Deschutes National Forest, Oregon.
Tumalo Falls is a waterfall in Deschutes National Forest that drops 97 feet (30 m) over dark basalt rock into a forested canyon. Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs grow thickly around the cliff walls and canyon bottom in the Cascade Range.
The waterfall formed through volcanic activity in the Cascade Range millions of years ago, which built up layers of basalt rock. Tumalo Creek then carved through these layers to create the cascade seen today.
The waterfall and surrounding forest lands serve as an educational site where visitors learn about Pacific Northwest ecosystems and water conservation.
A short path leads from the parking area to the main viewing platform for a direct view of the falls. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and can be slippery after rain.
Upstream along the creek are other waterfalls, including the two-tiered Middle Tumalo Falls with a 65-foot drop through dense forest. Hikers can explore these additional cascades by following the creek trail further back.
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