Benham Falls

Directions:
Follow Highway 97 to the Lavalands visitor center (11 miles south of Bend). Travel Rd. 9702 four miles to the forested picnic area at the end of the road.

The Trail:

The trail starts on the south side of the Deschutes River, but soon crosses a large bridge. The trail from here used to be an old logging-train route to Bend, so it remains very level and is a nice easy walk.. The trail continues to follow the river with views across the river of the lava that poured through the area in the distant past. After .7 miles, the trail meets another road, and then switchbacks down to a viewpoint of Benham Falls. Hikers in search of a longer trip can continue on the trail for nine miles to the trailhead below the Inn at Seventh Mountain. Expect to see some wildlife along the trail. Since it is along the Deschutes, there are many marshes for animals to hide in...keep your eyes open.