Overview

• Location: Deschutes County, Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

• Waterfall Type: Plunge

• Height: ~67 feet (20 m)

• Trail Distance: ~5 miles round-trip via Chush Falls Trail (extended from original 2-mile route after 2012 Pole Creek Fire)

• Difficulty: Medium

• Best Time to Visit: Mid-June through October

History & Background

Chush Falls is a powerful 67-foot plunge waterfall on Whychus Creek (formerly known as Squaw Creek) in the Three Sisters Wilderness, one of Central Oregon’s most beloved waterfall destinations. The creek originates from the Bend Glacier on the north face of Broken Top and rushes down through the volcanic highlands above Sisters before dropping over several dramatic falls. The 2012 Pole Creek Fire burned extensively through the area, pushing the trailhead back by 1.4 miles and transforming the hike—the burn scar now opens spectacular panoramic views of the Three Sisters and Broken Top that were previously hidden by old-growth forest. The forest is actively regenerating with lodgepole pine and manzanita. The trail passes two other notable waterfalls—the Cascades and Upper Chush Falls (225 feet)—making it one of the best multi-waterfall hikes in Central Oregon.

Geology

Chush Falls and Whychus Creek owe their existence to the volcanic terrain of the Three Sisters volcanic cluster. The creek drains glacial meltwater from Broken Top and the flanks of South Sister, carrying sediment from active volcanic soils through a series of dramatic drops as it descends the steep western Cascades escarpment. The falls plunge over layers of Cascade volcanic basalt and andesite that have been incised by the creek over thousands of years since the last glaciation. The spray zone around the falls supports lush vegetation in sharp contrast to the dry, open burn-scar terrain of the surrounding trail.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Sisters, OR (~12 miles north)

• Trail Information:

  • From Sisters, take Forest Road 16 south 7 miles toward Three Creek Lake, then right on FR 1514 for ~5 miles to the trailhead just before the Whychus Creek bridge; the Chush Falls Trail (2.5 miles one way) enters the Three Sisters Wilderness — a wilderness day-use permit is required

  • The trail traverses the open 2012 Pole Creek Fire burn area for the first mile (outstanding mountain views) before entering the canyon; a steep 100-foot scramble leads to the base of Chush Falls for the best view

• Parking:

  • Small trailhead parking area on FR 1514; Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required; low-clearance vehicles may struggle on the gravel road

• Accessibility:

  • Not wheelchair accessible; moderate trail with a steep scramble to the falls base; wilderness permits required

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Snow typically covers the trail through late May or June; not recommended until the road and trail are snow-free

• Summer: Mid-June through August is prime season; wildflowers in the burn area; strong flows from snowmelt; bring mosquito repellent

• Fall: September is ideal — the burn-scar landscape turns golden, crowds thin, and flows remain decent; Three Sisters views are spectacular in autumn light

• Winter: Road and trail closed by snow; not accessible without snowshoes or skis

Nearby Attractions

• Upper Chush Falls (225 ft, 0.6 miles further)

• The Cascades waterfall

• Three Sisters Wilderness

• Sisters, Oregon

• Broken Top and South Sister

References

• Links:

  • USFS – Chush Falls Trail

  • Oregon Hikers – Chush Falls Hike

  • AllTrails – Upper Chush Falls via Whychus Creek Falls Trail

• Books:

  • Oregon Waterfalls by Greg Plumb

  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest