!Now THIS is an AUTUMN Hike! Tumalo Falls (No Happy Valley) Moderate Out-n-Back

*TIME IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER.
*This is considered a MODERATE TO CHALLENGING hike, APPROX 5.5 MILES TOTAL.
THIS IS AN OUT AND BACK. WE DO NOT CROSS THE RIVER AND DUE TO THE AMOUNT SIGNED UP FOR THIS EVENT, WE'RE NOT GOING ALL THE WAY TO HAPPY VALLEY. WE WILL TURN AROUND AT THIS POINT.

My review on alltrails from last September: Awesome trail. Counter clock wise is best. The waterfalls are breathtaking. Trail is dirt, rocks, pine needles. Bugs were minimal. Arrive early!

*https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/tumalo-falls-loop*

COME PREPARED. 10 ESSENTIALS, WATER, SNACK, POLE(S), PROPER BOOTS, BUG/SUN SPRAY, ARRIVE EARLY!

*Take Skyliners Rd to Tumalo Falls Rd
20 min (11.5 mi)

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"Highlights include numerous waterfalls, well-maintained trails, and beautiful views. Challenges involve river crossings and a lot of mosquitoes. Bring bug spray and arrive early for parking."
"Waterfalls galore, trail easy to walk, good shade mostly, fewer people early. Parking gets more crowded and by 1:00pm on return too many people. One spot was tricky to find the trail, it required a river crossing over a log. Returning the vegetation was very different. Overall a good 3.5 hour hike."
6.9miLength
1,223ftElevation gain
3h 15mEstimated time
Loop
No dogs and no camping are allowed inside this watershed.

**The trail runs past Tumalo Falls, Doulble Falls, Upper Falls, North Fork Falls, and Bridge Creek Falls, among others. The viewpoint for Tumalo Falls is a few steps from the parking lot or a short trail to the top. The 97-foot fall along Tumalo Creek is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in Central Oregon. The USFS has developed viewpoints both at the top (0.5 miles up the trail) and near the base of the falls making the views easy for everyone.\n\nAs you continue up North Fork Trail you will pass several other waterfalls before crossing Middle Fork Tumalo Creek via a cut log bridge. Thereafter North Fork Trail passes several more waterfalls before the Swampy Lake Trail return route (about 300 yards past the Swampy Lake Trail trailhead, marked by a sign for Bridge Creek, is a beautiful meadow called Happy Valley, which is worth a look though not on this route). The Swampy Lake Trail requires crossing Middle Fork Tumalo Creek again, this time without a bridge. Some downed trees can be used to cross but require great balance; otherwise, you have to wade through thigh-to-waist-deep frigid water for about 50 feet. The Bend Watershed starts approximately a mile further and continues along Bridge Creek Trail until you return to North Fork Trail.

Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing: All skill levels are welcome. Each event will disclose the location, skill level, distance and approximate duration, and gear and equipment required. PPSG recommends you pack the “Ten Essentials” for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
ATTENDING EVENTS
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1. Assumption of Risk The Participant understands that participating in any PPSG activity involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to: unpredictable weather conditions, uneven terrain, physical exertion, and potential contact with plants or wildlife. By signing below, the Participant voluntarily assumes all risks associated with these activities.
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