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Tumalo Creek sports many waterfalls, and while none of the others stand up to Tumalo Falls in terms of grandiosity, Double Falls is an equally rewarding destination for those in the area. The name of the falls is somewhat misleading, because this is actually a triple waterfall, with the third drop being just barely out of sight upstream from the main viewpoint. The falls start out by sliding 37 feet over a bumpy two-step cascade, then after doing a quick "S" bend, the second fall drops 23 feet in a fanning veil before the final plunge of 29 feet. As one approaches the falls, the trail skirts a sheer cliff, with the viewpoint perched 125 feet directly above the canyon floor providing wide-open views into the falls. Parents; be sure to keep children on a very short leash here.
- Double Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
- Known Alternate Names: Middle Tumalo Falls, Upper Tumalo Falls, Twin Falls
Double Falls appears to be a rather long standing local name for this waterfall. "A Waterfall Lovers Guide to the Pacific Northwest" calls the lower two tiers of this fall Middle Tumalo Falls and the upper tier Upper Tumalo Falls.
The Tumalo Falls area is located about 10 miles west of Bend beneath Broken Top. From Highway 97 in Bend, turn west on Franklin Street. As Franklin runs through town, it parallels a nice park along the Deschutes River. Just after this park - about a mile from 97 - turn right and cross the River on Galveston Street. After passing Century Drive, Galveston turns into Skyliners Road. Follow Skyliners Road for 10 ½ miles, and turn left on FR 4601, signed for Tumalo Falls, just after crossing Tumalo Creek. This gravel route ends in another 2 ½ miles at the Tumalo Falls Trailhead. Following the trail to the top of Tumalo Falls, continue upstream for another mile to the first viewpoint, perched a good 100 feet above the canyon floor. A sliver of the upper tier of the falls can be seen from here, but to see it properly, continue upstream for another 300 feet to trailside views.
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