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🏊 Natural Swimming  ·  Central Oregon

Steelhead Falls (Deschutes River)

📍 Crooked River Ranch (near Terrebonne)
Nearest Town
✅ Free
Entry Fee
💧 Chilly, especially in early summer
Water Temp
🟢 Easy
Difficulty
📅 Late July–August (water still chilly early season)
Best Season
⚠️ Safety Notice — Read Before Visiting
This is an active, popular cliff-jumping spot — water levels and submerged rock positions shift, so depth must be reassessed on every visit, not assumed safe because it was fine last time.
🏊 Natural Swimming 🟢 Easy Free Entry ⚠️ Safety Note
🌊 About Steelhead Falls (Deschutes River)

A short, easy hike leads to a scenic waterfall on the Deschutes River where jumping from a 25-foot cliff into deep green water is a popular but genuinely risky activity.

📋 Visit Details
Entry Fee
✅ Free
Water Temperature
💧 Chilly, especially in early summer
Best Season
📅 Late July–August (water still chilly early season)
Reservation
Not Required
Water Type
25-ft cliff jump into deep green pool
Managed By
Bureau of Land Management
County
Deschutes / Jefferson County, Oregon
Access Difficulty
🟢 Easy
🗺️ Getting There

Address / Access Point:
Steelhead Falls Trailhead, Crooked River Ranch, OR

Access Notes:
Short (~0.5 mi) easy hike; popular 25-ft cliff jump — scout depth and rocks before jumping every time

GPS Coordinates
44.3989, -121.2882
Open in Google Maps →
✅ Before You Go — Checklist
  • ✓
    Check current water conditions — especially after recent rain
  • ✓
    Save GPS coordinates offline before leaving — cell service may be limited
  • ✓
    Pack reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, water shoes and plenty of drinking water
  • ✓
    Tell someone where you are going before heading to a remote location
  • ✓
    Pack out everything you bring in — leave no trace
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