Pets allowed
Allowed
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

In spite of its designation, White River Falls State Park is a relatively unknown destination.  Located 35 miles south of The Dalles, the park is definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.  The falls consists of upper and lower portions that tumble over basalt walls and converge into one main chute totaling 90 feet.  At the base of the falls you'll find the ruins of a hydropower plant that supplied north central Oregon with electricity from 1910 to 1960.  The trail down to the building is a short, slightly uneven walk, and from the building another trail leads down river.  A small beach beside the building is a good spot for a swim or a picnic.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Scenic waterfalls. Hike to the Deschutes. Historic powerstation.

Cons

Remote.

Features

Historically significant
Flushing toilets
Picnic tables
Waterfalls

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

07/23/2017
We visited this park for the first time yesterday. The falls are visible right off the parking area and they are stunning. We decided to hike down to the river's edge with intent to swim but ran into a a couple snags. First, was that the sun-exposed, rocky, dusty trail was too hot for our dog and we ended up having to carry her to save her from burning her feet. Second, the two main swimming holes were crowded with frat boys and coolers so wasn't too relaxing. I don't know what we would have found if we'd walked further along. If you're traveling through the Gorge and have a loose schedule, I'd say it's worth checking out. Just don't take your dog in the middle of summer. Dog mom fail.

I'd be interested in visiting again much earlier in the year when the water is running high and the temps are lower.
02/19/2017
On an unseasonably warm winter day, we had the place almost to ourselves.
07/08/2015
WATER EXTREMELY LOW. NO CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS OPEN.
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.