Right now
Status note (Nov 8, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell (Nov 8, 2026). The BLM lists the site as open year round, and its pages we read show no closure. What the status labels mean
Steelhead Falls is on the Deschutes River in Jefferson County, Oregon, managed by the BLM Prineville District. The BLM says it is about 0.5 mile from the trailhead to the falls, on a relatively easy trail with one small, steep section. The site is open year round with no fees, and first-come camping is available.
About Steelhead Falls
Steelhead Falls is on the Deschutes River, on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management's Prineville District. The BLM's trail page also describes the Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area around it.
The BLM says that study area lies in a triangle formed by the towns of Madras, Redmond and Sisters.
"Colorful grooves decorate cliffs and show the erosion of time," the BLM says. It adds that wildflowers dot the slopes in spring and golden eagles soar overhead.
The BLM publishes no height for the falls, so we list none.
About our map pin
Our map pin is the USGS GNIS point for Steelhead Falls, in Jefferson County. We have no trailhead pin; use the BLM directions below.
For other Oregon falls, see Tumalo Falls near Bend and Ramona Falls on Mt. Hood, or browse all Oregon waterfalls.
Getting there and parking
The BLM directions: from Redmond, head north on Hwy 97 to Terrebonne and turn west on NE Lower Bridge Way. Go two miles and turn right on NW 43rd Street.
Follow NW 43rd Street 1.8 miles to Chinook Drive. Go almost a mile, then turn left onto Badger Road and travel one mile.
Turn right on Quail Road and follow it 1/2 mile. Turn left on River Road and take it downhill to the Steelhead Falls Trailhead and campground.
Access
The BLM says "year-round hiking access is available to Steelhead Falls from a Crooked River Ranch road east of the Deschutes River." It adds that there is no public vehicle access to the river from within the study area.
Fees and facilities
"No fees," the BLM says. Amenities include limited trailer parking and an outhouse, but no potable water.
Contact
BLM Prineville District Office: 3050 N.E. 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754, 541-416-6700, BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov.
Map and nearby falls
Map loads as you scroll. Open in OpenStreetMap
OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map
Steelhead Falls Trail: a short walk into the Deschutes canyon
"In steps, it is only about 0.5 miles from the trailhead to Steelhead Falls," the BLM says. "In terms of geologic time, it is a few million years."
The BLM says the trail is relatively easy, with one small, steep section.
At the river
The BLM suggests a picnic, fishing in the Deschutes River or exploring the rocky shores. It lists boating, fishing, picnicking, photography and swimming among activities at the site.
Foley Waters trail
For more trail time, the BLM points to the Foley Waters trail, which leaves from the south end of the Steelhead Falls parking lot.
Dogs
The BLM says pets are allowed. They should remain under owner control at all times, and leashed at the trailhead and in the camping area.
Accessibility
We found no official accessibility information. The BLM notes one small, steep section on the trail.
When to visit
The BLM lists the site as open year round.
Spring
The BLM says wildflowers dot the canyon slopes in spring.
Summer
Campfires are allowed, but the BLM says fire restrictions are in effect in summer. Check current restrictions before you light a fire.
Camping
The BLM says the site is open for overnight camping, and sites are first come, first served.
Status checks
On Nov 8, 2026, the BLM pages we read showed no closure. Call the Prineville District at 541-416-6700 to confirm conditions.
| Trail | "It is only about 0.5 miles from the trailhead to Steelhead Falls" (BLM). The BLM says the trail is relatively easy, with one small, steep section |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | The BLM says "the trail to the falls is relatively easy, with one small, steep section" |
| Entry fee | No fees, per the BLM. |
| Permit / reservation | No fees, per the BLM. The BLM pages we read list no permit |
| Parking | Trailhead lot, down River Road (BLM) |
| Dogs | Allowed. The BLM says pets should remain under owner control at all times and leashed at the trailhead and in the camping area |
| Swimming | The BLM lists swimming among activities at the site. It publishes no other swimming rule |
| Wheelchair / stroller | No official accessibility information found. The BLM says the trail has one small, steep section |
| Restrooms | An outhouse at the trailhead; no potable water (BLM). |
| Best time to visit | Open year round (BLM). The BLM says wildflowers dot the slopes in spring, and fire restrictions apply in summer |
| Crowds | No official visitor figure found |
| Managed by | Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District |
Safety and swimming
Watch for rattlesnakes. The BLM warns: "Watch where you put your feet and hands: rattlesnakes can hide around rocks and under brush!"
Take care on the trail's one small, steep section.
Bring your own water, since the BLM says there is no potable water at the site.
Follow summer fire restrictions, which the BLM says are in effect for campfires.
In an emergency, call 911. Our waterfall safety guide has more on staying safe near falls.
Conditions change: confirm with the official source before you go.
Where to stay near Steelhead Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Terrebonne.
See places to stay nearbyAffiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Partners do not see or change our waterfall facts. Disclosure.
Photos
Steelhead Falls FAQ
Is Steelhead Falls open now?
As far as we can tell, yes (Nov 8, 2026). The BLM lists the site as open year round, and its pages show no closure.
How long is the hike to Steelhead Falls?
The BLM says it is only about 0.5 mile from the trailhead to the falls, on a relatively easy trail with one small, steep section.
Is there a fee at Steelhead Falls?
No. The BLM says "No fees."
Can you camp at Steelhead Falls?
Yes. The BLM says the site is open for overnight camping, with first-come, first-served sites. There is an outhouse but no potable water.
Are dogs allowed at Steelhead Falls?
Yes. The BLM says pets should stay under owner control at all times, and leashed at the trailhead and in the camping area.
Can you swim at Steelhead Falls?
The BLM lists swimming among activities at the site. It publishes no other swimming rule.
Nearby waterfalls
Tumalo Falls30 mi straight-line, by our mathSeasonal97FT
Salt Creek Falls69 mi straight-line, by our mathSeasonalSINGLE DROP 286FT
Tamanawas Falls70 mi straight-line, by our mathPartly openABOUT 100FT
Ramona Falls71 mi straight-line, by our mathSeasonal
South Falls (Silver Falls)75 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen177FT
City guides: Waterfalls near Bend, OR · Waterfalls near Eugene, OR
Sources
- BLM: Steelhead Falls Trail (trail, know before you go, fees, directions; read Nov 8, 2026)
- BLM: Steelhead Falls Trail brochure (PDF)
- BLM: Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area (access; read Nov 8, 2026)
- USGS GNIS: Steelhead Falls, feature ID 1150390 (coordinates, Jefferson County)
Last verified Nov 8, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.