Home › Washington › Yelm › Deschutes Falls Park
Deschutes Falls Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 228 Google reviews · Running trail in Yelm, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Deschutes Falls Park'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.
Park featuring Deschutes Falls, hiking trails, a viewing platform, and picnic areas, as well as opportunities for birdwatching.
What runners say about Deschutes Falls Park
“Nice and clean, when I went here a couple years ago they were doing construction and they finished the deck by the waterfalls.”
“There are beautiful views to behold, a neat old shack, and a nice walking trail.”
“The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.”
Loved this park. The trail is very short and you can access the falls almost immediately. There is some elevation change at the beginning of the trail but it’s not too difficult going back up. All of the trails are well maintained. The first viewing point even has a viewing platform. The water is absolutely gorgeous.
Today was "get out and explore". I wanted to go somewhere we hadn't been before. What a fabulous little tucked in location. The path is mostly rock covered until you get further down and then parts of it are beauty bark or a normal dirt trail.
The best kept secret in Yelm. Been here multiple times and any time we show people photos or take them to visit, they can’t believe it’s right here in Yelm. New viewing platform is currently under construction but you can still see the waterfall from another viewpoint.
Beautiful place if you're interested in hiking. I wouldn't recommend it if you just want a leisure stroll. There are inclines and declines that are a bit steep, and in some places, it's very wet, which makes it very slippery.
Trail conditions & character
“The catwalk overlook is a downhill stroll that splits a meadow full of white daisies with a few fruit trees scattered.”
“There are inclines and declines that are a bit steep, and in some places, it's very wet, which makes it very slippery.”
“The first view point is a very short hike from the parking lot, though the real view is at the second two points.”
“The path is mostly rock covered until you get further down and then parts of it are beauty bark or a normal dirt trail.”
“The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.”
“Also, there is a porta potty there to use the restroom.”
“It is what I consider stroller or wheelchair friendly for the majority of it, you just need to know you will go uphill at times.”
Plan your run at Deschutes Falls Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitethurstoncountywa.gov
- Phone(360) 786-5595
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4:30 PM |
Running trails near Yelm
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Longmire Community Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 366 reviews
Clean park featuring a playground, baseball fields and a football field that can fit 2 soccer fields.
Cochrane Memorial Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 435 reviews
Shaded park featuring ponds teeming with ducks and other wildlife, plus walking trails.
Yelm Prairie Line Trailhead
4.3 ★★★★☆ 75 reviews
Scenic paved path for walking, roller skating, biking and jogging, plus trails for hiking.
Yelm-Tenino Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 179 reviews
Paved trail for hiking and biking that runs between Yelm and Tenino.
