Make a splash and don’t mist an opportunity to visit a waterfall on your vacation; they’ll have you roaring with joy. How many waterfall puns can I make, you might ask? Well, I’m not going to water this down for you — a lot.

What makes waterfalls so magical? Maybe the musical spatter of droplets rushing over rounded rocks. The tickle of mist laced with green moss and fluttery fern. Or the raw power of water plunging without fear to the earth below.

Maybe it’s all of the above. There must be some reason our pages featuring Bend waterfalls get the most hits on our website. But what’s really magical is the variety you’ll discover exploring Central Oregon waterfalls.

There’s the stately, cascading Tumalo Falls with its 97-foot drop and trail system that winds among trees and past several smaller falls. You’ll also find subtle falls like Benham and Dillon, where the churning Deschutes River stair-steps gradually over craggy rocks and ledges.

For those eager to earn their views, discover tucked-away gems like Chush Falls, on Upper Whychus Creek, or Steelhead Falls, which serve as sparkling rewards at the end of a dusty hike.

Keep in mind that others love waterfalls as much as you do, and trails can be packed in the summer months. Getting an early start can help, and you should always have a backup plan in case the parking lot is packed for your top pick. And don’t forget to purchase a Northwest Forest Pass ahead of time; it’s required at most trailheads.

Our hiking and camping map shows many of the most popular waterfalls, or stop by the Bend Visitor Center for tips. For additional info online, take a gander at our Adventure Journal, featuring a few of our favorite local falls.