What makes Awbrey Falls special
Awbrey Falls is a waterfall along the Deschutes River in Deschutes County, Oregon. The fall is known for a long lava tube beneath the cascade, which is the detail that sets it apart: the water drops over the top while a hollow tube of old lava runs underneath, a piece of volcanic plumbing hidden below the fall.
The setting is the Deschutes River country of central Oregon, a dry, high stretch of country where the river is the green line through the desert. The fall sits on the river itself, not a side creek, which gives it more water and more presence than the small creek falls around it.
Its neighbours are spread out. Whychus Creek Falls is 14.5 miles away, Steelhead Falls 15.3 miles away and Upper Tumalo Falls 17.9 miles away, so Awbrey Falls is a drive-to destination rather than one stop on a crowded trail.
Source: Wikipedia
Geology and background
The lava tube beneath the cascade is the fall’s geology in one detail. Central Oregon is volcanic country, and lava tubes form when the surface of a lava flow cools and hardens while the molten rock inside keeps flowing, leaving a hollow tube behind. At Awbrey Falls, that tube runs beneath the cascade, so the river drops over rock that is hollow underneath. It is a reminder that the ground here is not solid in the usual sense: it is old lava, with tunnels running through it.
Plan your visit
Getting there and parking
- GPS: 44.1943, -121.2946 — Get directions
Navigate by coordinates rather than by name. Map apps often send waterfall searches to the wrong parking lot or the far side of the stream. Download an offline map before you lose signal.
Best time and crowds
No stream gauge is linked to Awbrey Falls, so recent rain and snowmelt are your best guide. Expect the most water in spring and after heavy rain. In a dry spell, especially late summer and early fall, the same fall can look half the size. The Deschutes is a bigger river than most waterfall creeks, so it holds its flow better in a dry spell.
This is a quieter fall than the famous ones, and the trailhead is unlikely to be crowded. Even so, an early start is the best way to have the viewpoint to yourself.
Safety
Stay on marked trails and behind railings. Wet, mossy rock near the brink is the most common cause of serious injury. Never climb the cascade or stand at the top edge, even when the flow looks gentle. The Deschutes is a big river: treat the water with respect, and keep well back from the edge.
What to bring
- Shoes with real grip
- A rain shell for the spray
- Water and a snack
- An offline map or screenshot
- A dry bag for your phone
- A bag to pack out trash
Practical tips
- Look for the lava tube beneath the cascade: it is the fall’s most distinctive feature.
- Screenshot the directions and these coordinates before you leave town.
- Go in spring, when the Deschutes is running full.
- Pair it with Whychus Creek Falls, 14.5 miles away, if you are making a day of the Bend area.
Keep exploring
- More waterfalls in Oregon
- Explore Oregon waterfalls
- Whychus Creek Falls (14.5 mi away)
- Steelhead Falls (15.3 mi away)
- Upper Tumalo Falls (17.9 mi away)
- Explore the map
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