Tumalo State Park, State park on Deschutes River, Deschutes County, Oregon
Tumalo State Park is an Oregon state park along the Deschutes River in Deschutes County. Reddish basalt cliffs line both sides of the river, and western juniper and ponderosa pine trees grow down to the water's edge, giving the park the feel of a dry mountain canyon.
The land became a state park in 1954, when Deschutes County transferred an initial parcel to the state of Oregon. A second addition in 1972 more than doubled the protected area, completing the park as it stands today.
The name Deschutes comes from the French phrase meaning 'of the falls', a reference to the waterfalls near where the river meets the Columbia River. Today, visitors use the river mostly for swimming and fishing, continuing a long tradition of gathering around the water.
The park has camping spots for tents and trailers, as well as yurt cabins for those who prefer a roof overhead. Facilities include solar-powered showers, restrooms, and laundry, making it easy to stay for several nights without leaving the grounds.
Great blue herons nest in the basalt cliffs along the river, while mountain chickadees and western meadowlarks are often spotted near the water. Visitors who arrive early in the morning are most likely to see the herons before they leave their nesting spots.
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