white river falls state park

We stopped at the falls on the way to Columbia River Gorge, and we loved it. The upper part falls in several places, then if you walk down a steep trail, you can see the 2nd and 3rd falls. Very beautiful.

In a sense, this park is located between nowhere and nowhere. The road goes from highway 197 just off Dufur to highway 97 near Grass Valley. Not a road one would travel unless one wanted to go to either the park or see Sherar's Bridge. The Falls are sensational, unexpectedly large in that country. There is a small campground and some day facilities. The falls have two drops, and there is an abandoned power plant at the bottom dating back to the days when these falls supplied all the power to The Dalles Oregon and surrounding farms. Before the Dalles dam was built. The path to the bottom of the falls is well kept, but long and steep. Not recommended for weak hearts or bad backs, but definitely recommended for those who want to see gorgeous and unexpected sight and a bit of history.

Located 4 miles east of Hwy 197, and 35 miles south of The Dalles is the beautiful White River Falls. Surrounded by the brown rolling hills of central Oregon, with a stunning view of Mt Hood to the west is the waterfall. The primary waterfall is over 90' tall, with a secondary plunge. The pools and river offers swimming area (but do not swim under the falls themselves). There is an historic powerhouse at the base of the falls, in a state of disrepair, with the original turbines still in place. The trail to the base of the falls and powerhouse is a little steep in places, and you need to carry drinking water with you for the climb back to the top. Be sure to remember your camera. The park is normally open March through Halloween.