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Benham Falls East Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 594 Google reviews · Running trail in Bend, Oregon · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Benham Falls East Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular, easygoing hiking trail on a paved path that leads to river rapids.
What runners say about Benham Falls East Trailhead
“It’s a nice walk down to the waterfall, which is more of a rapids fall than a plunge waterfall but still beautiful.”
“Easy hike to make and good for bikes, kids and dogs.”
There are two entrances, East is easy leads to a bridge and about a mile loop hike. West is unsaved rd. Both are beautiful ways to see the falls. East was amazing, otters, birds, and natural beauty. Old saw mill foundation on the river. You can connect to other trails and easy walks.
Nice easy (flat) hike to the falls. May be closer to .75 miles / 1.25 km from East Trailhead parking lot to lookout that is nearest to West (main) parking. Bring mosquito protection. Beautiful hike with deer too.
Great walk along the Deschutes River! It's about a mile out to the viewing spot for the falls, which are really more like large rapids. I've never been in the winter, so maybe it's larger then, but the first time I went, I would've missed the "falls" if not for the obvious overlook.
Super nice trail. Great for walking, biking, families. Wide path, smooth. Peaceful/serene. Rode bikes btwn 6-7a in early August, weather was perfect. Path is definitely well maintained. Could bring a stroller or bike trailer. Scenery was beautiful
Trail conditions & character
“I've never been in the winter, so maybe it's larger then, but the first time I went, I would've missed the "falls" if not for the obvious overlook.”
“25 km from East Trailhead parking lot to lookout that is nearest to West (main) parking.”
“Perfect for hikers of all experience level and ability with cool historical and ecological factoid signs along the way.”
“All wooded packed dirt so it was not a difficult walk.”
“Slightly muddy trails but still beautiful.”
Plan your run at Benham Falls East Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(541) 383-5300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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