Overview

• Location: Wasco County, White River Falls State Park (near Maupin)

• Waterfall Type: Punchbowl

• Height: ~21 feet (6 m)

• Trail Distance: ~1–2 miles round-trip from White River Falls State Park trailhead

• Difficulty: Easy

• Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall

History & Background

Lower White River Falls is the downstream punchbowl companion to the main 90-foot White River Falls at White River Falls State Park in Wasco County, one of Oregon’s most spectacular and undervisited state parks. The park preserves a dramatic canyon where the White River plunges over volcanic basalt cliffs on its way to the Deschutes River. The main White River Falls drops 90 feet into a canyon that also contains the ruins of a historic hydroelectric power plant built in 1910 to supply electricity to the town of Tygh Valley — the turbines and penstock are still visible, making this a remarkable combination of natural and industrial heritage. Lower White River Falls is encountered downstream from the main falls on the canyon trail, dropping into a sculpted punchbowl pool.

Geology

Lower White River Falls drops into a punchbowl carved into the Columbia River Basalt at approximately 1,780 feet elevation in the semi-arid Wasco County landscape. The White River carries a heavy load of glacial silt from Mount Hood’s glaciers, giving it its characteristic milky white color and the name ‘White River.’ The entire White River canyon at this location cuts through layers of Columbia River Basalt deposited 6–17 million years ago, and the falls and punchbowl reflect both the resistant basalt above and the hydraulic erosion of the falling water below. The surrounding landscape is classic eastern Oregon high desert — sagebrush, juniper, and grasses on the canyon rim.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Maupin, OR (~12 miles north); The Dalles, OR (~40 miles north)

• Trail Information:

  • White River Falls State Park trailhead is at the end of Tygh Valley Road off Highway 216; the trail descends into the canyon past the historic power plant ruins and main White River Falls (90 ft) to Lower White River Falls downstream

  • The trail continues beyond Lower White River Falls into the canyon; the round trip to see both falls is approximately 1–2 miles; the canyon trail provides views of the old 1910 hydroelectric infrastructure

• Parking:

  • White River Falls State Park parking area; Oregon State Parks day-use fee or annual pass required; picnic tables available

• Accessibility:

  • Not wheelchair accessible; the canyon trail involves descent on natural surfaces

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Best flows from Mount Hood snowmelt; the White River runs powerfully white with glacial silt; canyon wildflowers bloom

• Summer: Lower flows; the milky-white glacial silt color most prominent in summer; hot high desert conditions

• Fall: Excellent hiking conditions; the high desert landscape is beautiful in fall; flows moderate

• Winter: The park is open year-round; lower flows; canyon is striking in winter light

Nearby Attractions

• White River Falls (90 ft, main falls)

• Historic 1910 hydroelectric plant ruins

• Sherars Falls (treaty tribal fishing, ~15 miles northwest)

• Maupin (Deschutes River rafting)

• Deschutes River State Recreation Area

References

• Links:

  • Oregon State Parks – White River Falls

  • Travel Oregon – White River Falls

• Books:

  • Oregon Waterfalls by Greg Plumb

  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest