Overview

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

• Waterfall Type: Plunge

• Height: ~35 feet (11 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

Middle White River Falls is one of several cascades along the White River in Wasco County, located within or near White River Falls State Park — one of southern Oregon’s most scenic and undervisited state parks. The main White River Falls drops 90 feet into a dramatic canyon that also contains the ruins of a historic hydroelectric power plant built in 1910. The White River carries a distinctive milky-white color from glacial silt originating on Mount Hood’s glaciers, giving the river and its falls their characteristic appearance. Middle White River Falls represents an additional waterfall feature accessible via the park’s canyon trail, rewarding hikers who venture beyond the main viewpoint.

Geology

Middle White River Falls plunges over a Columbia River Basalt ledge in the semi-arid Wasco County landscape at approximately 1,900 feet elevation. The White River carries glacial silt from Mount Hood’s retreating glaciers, giving its water a characteristic milky-white turbidity that intensifies in summer during peak meltwater flows. The canyon at White River Falls State Park was carved through layers of Columbia River Basalt deposited 6–17 million years ago, creating the dramatic gorge and multiple falls visible from the park’s trail system. The surrounding high desert landscape of sagebrush and juniper contrasts starkly with the life-giving river corridor below.

Directions & Access

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

• Trail Information:

  • Access from White River Falls State Park trailhead (end of Tygh Valley Road off Highway 216); the canyon trail descends past the historic power plant ruins and main White River Falls to reach the middle and lower falls downstream

  • The full canyon trail visits multiple falls and the historic 1910 hydroelectric infrastructure; the state park is open year-round with picnic tables at the trailhead

• Parking:

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

• 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 milky-white

• Summer: Glacial silt increases in summer giving the river its most vivid white color; hot high desert conditions

• Fall: Excellent hiking conditions; flows moderate; the canyon is beautiful in fall light

• Winter: Open year-round; lower flows; canyon striking in winter

Nearby Attractions

• White River Falls (90 ft main falls)

• Historic 1910 hydroelectric plant ruins

• Lower White River Falls

• Sherars Falls (~15 miles northwest)

• Maupin (Deschutes River rafting)

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