Steelhead Falls Trailhead — Attraction in Redmond

This section of the canyon where the trail goes was formed few million years ago. If you walk nearby the entrance with a magnet in your hands you will see how the iron in the dirt underneath your shoes gets attached to the magnet. If you pay attention, you'll find some rocks in this area that can float! These are pumice, a volcanic rock that is formed when lava cools rapidly. Pumice rocks (the one that looks less shiny above) are lighter than regular lava rocks, gray-ish in color, rough-textured like glass that is full of small holes. The trail is very attractive to the sight due to the shape of the falls and the huge amount of water that the Deschutes River collects going down the canyon. I do recommend caution if you try to go near the river since it looks deep, wide and fast running. The edges of the trail near the river are also a potential fall. Keep pets and kids safe. There are restrooms at the entrance and a decent amount of...

Apparently, it's a VERY popular swimming hole. After visiting the falls, I'm really not surprised. There's plenty of space and a lot of cliffs to jump from and even a tightrope for the brave! It's a pretty steep and dusty hike to get down, but worth it if you can make it. There is no parking fee, though parking is limited, especially during hot days. Bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper for the bathrooms which are located in the parking lot NOT by the falls which are about 1/2 mile from the parking lot. If you are more adventurous, you can follow the trail further and see all the cool cliffs and rock formations. Though, you will need to climb over rock piles when it appears that the trail disappears. But I assure you, the trail DOES continue. You might even spot some river otters along the way. I only made it about 2 miles before heat exhaustion started getting the better of me. But the adventure...

It was a hot day as I hiked down the Crooked River Canyon on an uneven rocky trail to the falls.

The trail will become narrow with loose sand and rocks to climb over as you approach the falls.

You will have nice views of the Canyon walls and hear the loud roar of the falls on the trail that is more than a half mile listed on the mile marker.

The falls flow at a very fast rate with a modest fifteen foot drop, and are amazing to see.

A steep hot climb back to the parking lot on a trail with sagebrush and very old Juniper Trees.

Located on the Crooked River Ranch on a road that becomes unpaved for a short distance.

The falls are about twenty five minutes from Smith Rock and about forty-five minutes from Bend.

A great place to hike, swim, and cliff dive with a very fast moving waterfall in the Crooked...