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Cline Falls is actually one of the taller waterfalls along the Deschutes River, dropping about 20 vertical feet through several channels carved in the basalt bedrock. The falls are, however, tapped for hydroelectric production, and this is after the Deschutes River has been largely diverted into two high volume irrigation canals in Bend, so little, if any water is left to drop over what would otherwise be a relatively decent waterfall. Because of the diversion, the falls commonly run with so little water that its hard to even see the falls among the sagebrush growing along the river - in dry years the falls may even run dry. Even for the dedicated waterfall baggers out there, this is purely an 'in and out' and on to better things.
- Cline Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
The falls were named for Dr. Cass A Cline, a dentist from Redmond who had homesteaded on the west side of the river overlooking the falls. He died in 1926.
Cline Falls is located just north of the Deschutes River bridge along the Highway 126 about 4 miles west of Redmond. The falls can be seen by exiting 126 onto 74th Street and turning left. Theres a long pullout next to a fence where the falls can be seen from (you may have to go around the fence for a clear view). Closer views are apparently available on the opposite side of the river by walking downstream from the parking area at Cline Falls State Park.
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