2027 Bookings Now Open

Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Panorama from the Benham Falls hike near Bend, Oregon

Benham Falls Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
27 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
3.4 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
0.5-1h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
The famous Benham Falls are a gorgeous sight. This family friendly walk along the Deschutes River near Bend is a gem of a hike.

Route Description for Benham Falls

Head down to the boat launch from the parking lot, then turn right to begin along the river. The flat trail will shortly reach a bridge, onto which you will turn left to the cross the river. Here the trail will widen and continue beside the gushing creek.

Soon you will reach the first large section of whitewater. This huge set is incredible and is only the beginning of the impressive water features along this hike. Your ears will be filled with the sound of crashing water.

You will pass by several other turnoffs that offer views of the river. We recommend taking all of them, as they each offer a unique view of the intense rapids. Finally, you will reach the Benham West Trailhead and the falls.

After enjoying the falls we recommend continuing a short ways further to enjoy a quick view of the (relatively) peaceful river just below the falls before turning around.

Insider Hints for Benham Falls

  • The boat launch at the beginning of the hike is a perfect place for a pre or post hike dip.
  • The trail is also open to bikes, so stay vigilant when hiking.
  • A Northwest Forest Pass, National Parks Annual Pass, or a $5 day-pass (available at trailhead) is required to park.

Getting to the Benham Falls Trailhead

From Bend, head south along US-97 for just under 17.7 km.  Turn right onto Crawford Road with signs for the Lava Lands Visitor Center. Continue down this road for 6.4 km until it ends and park in a small dirt parking area that fills up fast.

Route Information for Benham Falls

  • When to do:

    Year Round

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    None

  • Toilets:

    At trailhead

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    High

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Benham Falls Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Benham Falls

9.8
9 reviews
Write a review
×

Add a review

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Sally S. NorbertAugust 2020

I would say this is a good place to spend your time with your family. Easy, relaxing and amazing hike.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
01:15
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Suzy TQJuly 2020

Beautiful scenery, very easy to navigate and find.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
01:30
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Jennifer M.September 2019

The trail was a little dusty, and we went mid-day, so it was hot. We still had a great time.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Adelina KrukovaAugust 2019

The views are cool. It was nice walking along the river.We enjoyed it a lot.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Orbit RauzaAugust 2019

Very easy for a hike. Beautiful scenery. Not too crowded.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
AltaVitoJuly 2019

I was amazed by how popular this hike is for bikers! Not a bad thing, it was great seeing them.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
southoftheborderJune 2019

Easy trails for the novice hiker. The hike is relatively easy, with a very little up and down near the falls. It's a must-do hike in Oregon.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
GiannaMay 2019

Lovely falls, soo crowded!

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
01:30
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
RonnyApril 2019

We took my mom to Benham Falls. it really isn't too hard and you see some nice views along the river.

Overall Rating
8
Trip Length
01:20
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Last Updated: July 14, 2026

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter