Tumalo Falls is one of the most iconic destinations in Central Oregon and for good reason. Tumalo Creek is located at the base of Broken Top in the Deschutes National Forest and this hike offers a moderate 8.2 mile loop up to Happy Valley, or you can opt to make it a 4 mile out and back hike to one of the upper waterfalls where the bridge crosses Middle Fork Tumalo Creek. Or if you’re only looking for something very short but still scenic, take the North Fork Trail 1 mile up to Double Falls.
​This hike is not only very popular in the summer, but it is also a scenic winter destination. Once the snow falls there is a gate that closes the access road to the main parking lot so you can cross-country ski or snowshoe 2 miles up to the Tumalo Falls viewpoint. The rest of the trail however, is not recommended in the winter because it is not marked for snow travel. ​Parking can be a serious issue here during the summer season (weekends from May through September), and oftentimes cars are parked a good 1/2 mile or more down the gravel road. The trail starts at the parking lot right by the pit toilets.