Deschutes Falls

Thurston County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Thurston County, Washington
Access status: County park path to a railed viewing deck
The walk: About a quarter mile, per Thurston County
Ground & access: Steep grades on an undeveloped path with few improvements; the county says it may be hard for people with mobility concerns. Railed viewing deck at the falls.

Deschutes Falls is a 25-foot waterfall on the Deschutes River in Deschutes Falls Park, a mostly undeveloped 155-acre Thurston County park southeast of Yelm. Take the main path down the hill from the parking lot for about a quarter mile. Where the path divides at the bottom of the hill, stay right to reach the railed viewing deck above the falls. Return the same way. The park also has a historic log cabin.

Plan your visit

Deschutes Falls Park parking lot at the end of Bald Hill Road SE, down the main path to the railed viewing deck

Thurston County says to take the main path down the hill from the parking lot and walk a quarter of a mile, staying right where the path divides at the bottom of the hill.

Steep grades on an undeveloped path with few improvements; the county says it may be hard for people with mobility concerns. Railed viewing deck at the falls.

Where to start

Park lot at 25005 Bald Hill Rd. SE, Yelm. From Yelm, follow Highway 507 southeast to Five Corners, then Bald Hill Road SE south; after 5 miles turn left to stay on it, and the lot is on the left in 9.3 more miles, per WTA. Limited parking; a private residence is next to the lot. Use designated spaces only.

Timing & water

Open 9 a.m. to dusk daily; day use only and the gates are locked at dusk.

Before you go

No fee is mentioned; WTA lists no parking pass. Pets must be leashed.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Washington

Waterfall location

Thurston County, Washington.

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