Central Oregon and the CascadesBenham FallsPhoto coming soon

Central Oregon and the Cascades · Near Bend

Benham Falls

Benham Falls is a short walk waterfall outing near Bend in Central Oregon and the Cascades. This guide rates the visit easy and collects the practical information available for planning responsibly.

  • DifficultyEasy
  • AccessShort walk
  • Round trip1 mi
  • Nearest townBend

The place

Why Benham Falls is worth the stop

Benham Falls is a river rapids and cascade near Bend, set in Central Oregon and the Cascades. The visit is best understood as a 1-mile round-trip short walk rather than a stop measured only by waterfall height.

What the experience feels like

Expect 1-mile round-trip short walk with a easy difficulty rating. Conditions can change quickly, so check the official source before the drive.

Visit details

Plan your trip

Waterfall status
River rapids and cascade
Public access
Public destination; verify current alerts before travel
Region
Central Oregon and the Cascades
County
Deschutes
Nearest town
Bend
Stream
Deschutes River
Access type
Short walk
Round-trip distance
1 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Parking
Use the signed public trailhead or day-use area

Trailhead and parking

Start at the documented public access point

Coordinates: 43.934900, -121.412000

The coordinates identify the documented public parking area or trailhead—not an off-trail waterfall location. Download directions before leaving cell service.

No star ratings

Why this is rated easy

The easy rating reflects the documented short walk access and approximately 1 mi round trip. Surfaces, weather, crowds, and seasonal closures can still create challenges.

EasyMinimal distance or straightforward developed access.
ModerateMore mileage, uneven terrain, or conditions requiring preparation.
HardLong, remote, exposed, or otherwise consequential travel.

Difficulty is a planning aid, not a guarantee. Snow, ice, heat, high water, trail damage, and individual ability can change the experience substantially.

Protect the place

Leave No Trace at Benham Falls

Waterfall corridors are easily damaged by shortcuts, litter, contaminated water, and crowding. Keep your visit on the durable, legal route and leave the site ready for the next person.

  • Stay on the signed trail, use established viewpoints, and respect every closure.
  • Pack out food scraps, dog waste, toilet paper, and everything else you bring.
  • Leave rocks, plants, wood, and historic features where they are.
  • Keep soap, food, and sunscreen out of streams, and give wildlife and other visitors room.
Read our complete guide to the seven Leave No Trace principles

Independent local picks

Eat and stay near Bend and La Pine

Bend offers the deepest selection; La Pine is more convenient for Newberry-area outings. These are editorial suggestions, not paid placements.

Recommendations were editorially reviewed in August 2026. Businesses, quality, hours, prices, and availability can change; confirm current details before relying on a stop.

Keep exploring

Other waterfalls nearby

Selected first from the same practical road, park, or trail corridor—not from straight-line distance alone.

Make a day of it

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