Steelhead Falls
1 / 10

Steelhead Falls

4.7
Β·494 reviewsΒ·Terrebonne, United States

A breathtaking waterfall cascading into a canyon, offering hiking, swimming, and cliff jumping adventures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Steelhead Falls

Steelhead Falls

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking waterfall cascading into a canyon, offering hiking, swimming, and cliff jumping adventures. TikTok

4.7
(494 reviews)

"Favorite gem!!! Love the hike !! .5 miles to the falls! Cliff jumping is a MUST!"

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸ‘Ÿ Wear sturdy shoes

Trail is slick with gravel; good approach shoes are a must!

πŸš— Drive cautiously

Gravel road to trailhead has potholes. Go slow!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 Β· 494 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

πŸ‘Ά Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cascading Waterfall

Cascading Waterfall

Main falls area

Witness the breathtaking waterfall as it plunges into a rocky canyon, a truly stunning natural spectacle.

TikTok
Cliff Jumping Spot

Cliff Jumping Spot

Near the main falls

For the adventurous, take a leap from the large rock into the refreshing river below.

Reddit
Deschutes River Views

Deschutes River Views

Along the trail

Enjoy sweeping canyon views and the crystal-clear waters of the Deschutes River.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Trail Conditions & Footwear

The trail to Steelhead Falls can be slick with sand and gravel, and the return hike is steep. Good approach shoes or hiking boots are recommended for better grip and stability. Be prepared for a workout on the way back up! Reddit

Road to Trailhead

The road leading to the Steelhead Falls trailhead is often gravel and can be poorly maintained with large potholes. Drive with caution, especially in a standard vehicle, to avoid damage. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring afternoons
Why
Wildflowers in bloom
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Steelhead Falls Trail, Mission BC β€” a hidden gem just 1.5 hours from Vancouver that’s perfect for a quick nature escape! πŸŒŠπŸ’š Tucked away in the forest near Hayward Lake, this short trail (about 1 km each way) leads you through lush greenery, mossy trees, and wooden stairs to a breathtaking waterfall that cascades into a rocky canyon. The sound of rushing water, birdsong, and fresh forest air makes...
savoury_trails
32 likes β€’ 248 views

πŸ‘Ÿ Wear sturdy shoes

Trail is slick with gravel; good approach shoes are a must! Reddit

πŸš— Drive cautiously

Gravel road to trailhead has potholes. Go slow! Reddit

Got to see some kayakers go off Steelhead Falls the other day. Looks fun! (And scary lol) @enzo_creek #waterfall #river #adventure #canyon #godisgreat #oregon #naturegram #pnwadventures
matt_swack
1.8K likes β€’ 22.1K views
Discover the hidden gem of Mission, BC – Steelhead Falls! A peaceful trail through lush forest leads to this breathtaking waterfall, perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers. Listen to the rushing water, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and take in the beauty of one of Mission’s most stunning natural spots.
jeffin_xavier_
52 likes β€’ 1K views

πŸ’§ Pack for swimming

River is great for a refreshing dip! Instagram

πŸ“Έ Photo ops abound

Stunning views at every turn. Reddit

πŸ“Steelhead Falls, Mission BC @tourismmission This is your sign to chase waterfalls this summer!πŸ’¦πŸ‘£ #missionbc #chasingwaterfalls #waterfall #waterfallwednesday #pnwadventures #pnwhikes #pnwhiking #explorebc #explorebclocal #ilovebc #hellobc #reelsoftheday #waterfalls #chasingviews #mountaingirl #mountaingirls #womenwhoexplore #womenwhohike #womenwhotravel #womeninspiringwomen
explorewithaida
76 likes β€’ 814 views

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸ‘Ÿ Wear sturdy shoes

Trail is slick with gravel; good approach shoes are a must! Reddit

πŸš— Drive cautiously

Gravel road to trailhead has potholes. Go slow! Reddit

πŸ’§ Pack for swimming

River is great for a refreshing dip! Instagram

πŸ“Έ Photo ops abound

Stunning views at every turn. Reddit

🐜 Watch for ants

Red ants can be present, especially near picnic spots. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(494 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Steelhead Falls for its stunning waterfall and scenic canyon views, calling it a 'favorite gem.' The short, accessible hike is a major plus, though some note the trail can be steep and the access road rough. The opportunity for cliff jumping and swimming adds to its appeal as a refreshing natural escape. InstagramReddit

"This hike to the waterfalls/river is pretty mild. However, wearing good approach shoes would be a good idea. The trail is slick in spots do to sand and small gravel pebbles, its not a difficult trails just a mindful trail. Small elevation gain back and forth, producing a good sweat and good workout. The photo opportunity is out of this world. Lots of opportunities to take a breath and take in the moment. There's a big rock right of the waterfall people gobto jump off.

Dog friendly, but please be careful the river runs fast and the waterfalls are very close and the water runs quickly."

Loree Good

"This trail is about twenty minutes outside of Redmond. Be mindful that the paved road does turn into a gravel road and not well maintained. There are a lot of massive pot holes that could do some serious damage to your vehicle. Drive with caution.

There's plenty of parking and a bathroom on site.

The trail itself is 0.5 miles to the falls. If you continue, the trail will equal to about two miles round trip. Walking down to the falls is a little bit on the steep end and thats the easier part. Walking back up to the parking lot can be challenging because of the steep incline.

When you arrive at the falls, if you're brave enough, you can cliff jump off the rocks and into the river. Otherwise, it's a great area to enjoy a picnic and admire the view."

Dani Councilman

"Hiked this back in August. Gorgeous trail with a beautiful waterfall! The road to the trailhead was all gravel so be prepared. So many places to swim and get refreshed!"

MaryRose

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall
Scenic canyon views
Short, accessible hike

What People Dislike

Rough access road
Steep trail sections

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Steelhead Falls is located near Redmond, Oregon, and Mission, British Columbia. The Oregon location is about twenty minutes outside of Redmond. The road to the trailhead is gravel and can be poorly maintained with potholes, so drive with caution. InstagramReddit

No, the paved road typically turns into a gravel road that is not well-maintained. Be prepared for a bumpy ride and potential damage to your vehicle if you're not careful. Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the trailhead. Reddit

Yes, Steelhead Falls in Mission, BC, is about a 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver and is considered a hidden gem for a nature escape. TikTok

While many vehicles can access the trailhead, the gravel road with potholes requires careful driving. SUVs or vehicles with higher clearance might be more comfortable. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Steelhead Falls is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit. TikTok

Steelhead Falls is an outdoor natural area and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times. TikTok

There is no entrance fee to visit Steelhead Falls. It's a public access area. TikTok

As it's a natural attraction, advance booking is not necessary or possible for Steelhead Falls. TikTok

While generally open, always check local advisories for any temporary closures or restrictions. Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control due to the fast-moving river. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike to the main falls is a short 0.5 miles (about 1 km) round trip. However, the trail can extend to about two miles if you explore further along the river. Reddit

The hike is considered moderately challenging by some due to steep declines and rocky ground, especially the walk back up to the parking lot. However, many find it an easy and quick hike. Reddit

You can admire the waterfall, enjoy the canyon views, swim in the river, fish, and for the brave, cliff jump from the rocks. InstagramReddit

Yes, Steelhead Falls is dog-friendly, but owners should be cautious as the river runs fast and the waterfalls are close. Keep your dog on a leash. Reddit

The falls, canyon walls, and river offer incredible photo opportunities. It's a popular spot for nature and adventure photography. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly at Steelhead Falls. You'll need to travel back to nearby towns like Redmond or Mission for food options. TikTok

Yes, Steelhead Falls is a great spot for a picnic. There are areas to enjoy your meal while taking in the views. Be mindful of ants. Reddit

No, there are no vendors or food services available at Steelhead Falls. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks. Reddit

Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a picnic lunch. Consider items that are easy to transport and consume outdoors. Reddit

Since it's a natural area, simple, portable foods are best. Think sandwiches, fruit, trail mix, and plenty of water. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

The main waterfall, the canyon walls, and the river offer stunning photographic opportunities. The viewpoint near the large rock is also popular. InstagramReddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a more dramatic effect. TikTok

While a professional camera can capture great shots, a smartphone with good camera capabilities is sufficient for most visitors to capture the beauty of Steelhead Falls. Instagram

Experiment with different angles, capture the movement of the water with a longer exposure if possible, and don't forget to include the surrounding canyon scenery. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and park regulations before flying a drone at Steelhead Falls. Instagram

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