Steelhead Falls is a secluded area along the snow-fed Deschutes River – ideal for trails, swimming and cliff jumping. Just 30 minutes from Bend, this local spot boasts a powerful 15-foot waterfall and 25- to 30-foot cliffs ideal for jumping. Farther downstream you can find wading and swimming areas. Not in the mood for an icy plunge? Enjoy the well-maintained, half-mile Steelhead trail that runs along the river from the parking area providing stunning views of the canyons, bird life, and the falls. How to get to the Falls From Bend, take US-97 North to the town of Terrebone. From there, take a left on Lower Bridge Way, right on 43rd, left on Chinook, left on Badger, right on Quail, and left on River Street. River Street will turn to gravel and lead you to a parking area. Follow the designated path to the waterfall. Navigate to Steelhead Falls Trail How to get to the Falls To reach Steelhead Falls via the Steelhead Falls Trail, follow these directions from Bend: Take US-97 North to the town of Terrebone. From there, turn left on Lower Bridge Way, then right on 43rd. Make a left on Chinook, followed by a left on Badger. Take a right on Quail, and then a left on River Street. River Street will transition to gravel and lead you to a parking area. From there, follow the designated path to the waterfall. When is the best time to visit the waterfall The Deschutes River is snowmelt, so until about mid-June the water can be extremely cold. The best times to jump are from July until late August, when temperatures are warmer, and the water is refreshing instead of freezing. What to bring We love packing a lunch or a snack and enjoying it on the rocks above the swimming hole. In addition to sunscreen, a swimsuit and a towel, make sure you are wearing suitable shoes! Please note: There are plenty of safe places to jump at Steelhead Falls, but cliff jumping can be dangerous. Make sure to check current conditions and observe water levels before you jump! Take the Plunge and Book a Stay with Us! Meredith Lodging has an amazing collection of vacation homes in Central Oregon to suit all sizes and budgets. Many of our homes have hot tubs, and welcome pets, too at our Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals! We hope to see you at the Falls soon! Stay in Bend, Eagle Crest, or Sisters, Oregon!
Boasting 300 days of sunshine and endless outdoor recreational opportunities year-round, a getaway to Redmond and Eagle Crest offers breathtaking vistas, miles of trails to explore, rocks to climb, waterfalls and rapids, ice rinks and slopes, a burgeoning downtown, and so much more! Here is a list of some of our favorite things to do in Redmond and Eagle Crest: Rock Climbing at Smith Rock State Park This international destination draws climbers from all over the world with its breathtaking scenery and over 1,500 cutting-edge routes for all skill levels. Prefer a Guide? Guide services and climbing instruction are available through the passionate and experienced pros at Smith Rock Climbing School and Chockstone Climbing Guides. Need some gear? Head to Mountain Supply for boots, crampons, helmets, and more! Insider Tip: Spring and fall are the most popular climbing months. Parking costs $5 a day, or yearly permits for $30. Leashed dogs are allowed. Rafting and River Sports During the summer, visitors and locals take to the water! Enjoy white water rafting through the Deschutes, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and fishing at Eagle Crest Resort, Tumalo or Terreboone. Guided tours and classes can be booked through several local tour operators. Winter Playground Skate under the stars at the outdoor Redmond Ice Rink from December through February (weather depending). Check the rink hours of operation here. Hit the slopes at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort where you can enjoy long runs in the largest ski area in the entire PNW, or head to HooDoo Ski Resort where you can explore over 30 runs, get tubular on their Autobahn Tubing Park, and even night ski! Snowshoeing and snowmobiling are also popular winter activities. Want to make some memories with friends or family? Try a guided tour with Wanderlust Tours where you can snowshoe under the moonlight, or sample local craft beers, or mush your way through snow-dusted landscapes on a dog sled ride with Mt. Bachelor. Tee Time Pristine courses, ideal weather conditions, and breathtaking views make golf a year-round game in Redmond. Eagle Crest Resort offers three 18-hole courses plus a putting course. Juniper Golf Course is a public, award-winning par 72 course, designed by renowned architect John Harbottle. Rent Bikes A great way to explore the Redmond area is by bicycle. Cruise around Dry Canyon city park, hit the mountain trails, or peddle around town. You can rent bikes at Trinity Bikes as well as at Eagle Crest Resort. Dining in Downtown Downtown Redmond is an up-and-coming spot in Central Oregon showcasing several highly rated Mexican restaurants in town, as well as quaint coffee shops, local breweries, pizza places, sushi and food trucks. Insider Tip: During the summer, make sure to shop locally at the Saturday Market from 11 am to 3 pm at General Duffy’s Waterhole. Hit the Trails Some of the best hiking in Central Oregon can be found just a short drive from Redmond. Some popular trails include: Go Antiquing Redmond has several antique shops brimming with bits and pieces of the past showcasing the history of the region. Wares are constantly being restocked with new found treasures. Stop by Beyond the Ranch Antiques, Farmer’s Co-op Antique Mall, Redmond Antique Mall and The Back Porch and Company to pick up a little piece of history to take home with you. Book Your Next Central Oregon Getaway with Us! Come discover all the beauty and fun that awaits you in Redmond and Eagle Crest. Meredith Lodging has an impressive collection of Central Oregon vacation rentals to suit all sizes and budgets from cozy cabins to townhouses to luxury homes. We hope to see you in the high desert soon!
Meredith Lodging’s Central Oregon Headquarters Office is located in Bend, Oregon and our local employees love living in Bend because of all the adventure just outside their door. Many of Bend’s most-loved sites get pretty crowded in the Spring and Summer months, but there are a few places that are remain on our “best-kept-secrets list and we want to share those with our Meredith Lodging family. These are some of our favorite places and we hope they will be yours, too! No Name Lake No Name Lake is a local favorite and as soon as you see the blue-green jade-colored water and its picturesque surroundings you will understand why. The trail to the lake is an easy one and the elevation gain is gradual. It is long, though, and has a short scramble at the end up the creek bed, which accounts for its more difficult category, but other than those two factors, the trek is easy to moderate. Most parts of this hike do not have tree cover, so you will want to pack your hats and sunscreen – and mosquito repellant if going in the summer months. The wildflowers are beautiful in July! Tenas Lakes This 4.9-mile out and back is moderately busy most of the time. The lake is loved by locals and the trail to get there is appropriate for all skill levels. Bird watchers, this hike is for you as its also considered a good birding location. Dogs are allowed on leash. This trip is best taken from June to November. Hidden Forest and Arnold Ice Cave Nothing cooler than an ice cave! See what we did there…This hike is close to Bend and is a 0.8 mile out and back that is a good bet for all skill levels. You will be rewarded with views of beautiful wild flowers and lots of good bird sightings as well as the chance to explore some cool Oregon caves. Please note the road to access the trail is bumpy. East Lake Hot Springs This adventure is within the Newberry Crater recreational area, and is a local favorite because it is less crowded than nearby Paulina Lake Hot Springs. The trail to East Lake Hot Springs is a 3.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near La Pine, Oregon. Once you reach your destination you will be rewarded with beautiful lake views and incredibly hot springs (100-120 degrees!) and their classic sulfur smell. Locals love to dig their own pools and combine spring water and lake water to get to the perfect temperature. The trail is best used for hiking, walking, nature trips, from May until October. Dogs are allowed. After a day full of adventures, return to your perfect home-base – your Meredith Lodging Bend or Sunriver vacation rental. Our beautiful homes feature well-equipped kitchens, places for backyard BBQs, comfortable beds, and many feature hot tubs, too – everything you need to relax and rest-up for another day full of exploring Central Oregon. View our complete collection at: MeredithLodging.com .