49. Steelhead Falls (Steelhead Falls Unit)

Suggested Citation: Kerr, Andy. 2000. Oregon Desert Guide: 70 Hikes. Seattle: The Mountaineers Books. p. 193.

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What to Expect: A steep, but short drop into a spectacular and colorful river canyon with rock spires,

old-growth juniper, and more

Distance: 3.8 miles round trip

Elevation Range: 2,250-2,540 feet

Drinking Water: Yes

Best Times: All year

USGS 7.5' Map: Steelhead Falls

Oregon Map Starting Point: Terrebonne

On US 97 at the north end of Terrebonne turn west (follow the signs to the Crooked River Ranch) onto Lower Bridge Drive. In 2.1 miles turn north (right) on 43rd Street. In 1.8 miles turn west (left) on Chinook Drive. Chinook turns to the north. In 1.1 miles turn west (left) on Badger Drive. Go on Badger (don't take Steelhead Drive) 0.4 mile, then turn south (left) on Rainbow Drive for 0.25 mile. Turn west (right) onto Parkey Drive (not signed at this right turn, but later signs will so confirm). At 0.1 mile after this curve, Rainbow Drive continues to the south and Parkey Drive continues west. Go west on Parkey (it meanders a bit). In 0.8 mile Parkey Drive dead-ends into a curving 77th. Go northward (right) on 77th. In 0.2 mile you reach a Y. Northwest 81st takes off 77th. Stay to the right. Seventy-seventh meanders northward and turns into Quail (Parkey reappears as a road to the west) in 0.2 mile. In another 1 mile is an unsigned intersection with a road to the east. Continue north on Quail. In 0.3 mile turn west (left) onto River Road. Generally head west (straight). In 0.5 mile you will reach an intersection with Folly Water Road and Canyon View Place. Go straight (generally west). Continue downhill 0.3 mile to an unmarked intersection. Continue downhill to the west. In 0.1 mile

you reach the trailhead/campground. The main trail heads down-canyon to the north. In 0.3 mile you'll reach Steelhead Falls. The falls are scenic (presently lacking any steelhead, as Portland General Electric dams downstream have blocked all fish passage). The trail continues down canyon but peters out within a mile. Return to your vehicle by the same route.