“I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it.” – William Shakespeare
Benham Falls is rated as Class 5 rapids located between Sunriver and Bend, Oregon. These are angry rapids that are quite mesmerizing with its intensity. I loved it. I drove straight to the trailhead which was an easy walk from the small parking lot. The last 2 1/2 miles of the road was not paved and very much isolated. My imagination was running wild for a second making me a bit worried that something would come out and attack me.
I forgot about being completely alone in the forest once I reached the hiking trail. I saw a mountain bike parked at the start of the trailhead and an SUV in the parking lot. I wasn’t completely alone anymore. I let go of my fear and focused on enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
I realized it was a blessing that it wasn’t crowded at all when I got there. I was able to appreciate the scenery, take lots of pictures and was rewarded with the quiet time I often crave but rarely find in the city.
For reasons I cannot fully explain, this is one of the places I will never forget. There was something about Benham Falls that captivated me. It might not have the same effect on you but I highly recommend this place if you’re ever around Bend, Oregon. This is worth the drive.
Bel’s tips for this trip
1. Parking at this site requires a Northwest Forest Day Pass which cost $5.
2. Bring a map. You can ask for a hiking trails map at Lava Lands Visitor Center.
3. Bring water and food.
4. Bring a camera. If you don’t have one, please check out the links below. You could go on full DSLR or just use a point and shoot. If you also have a good camera phone that should be good enough to capture amazing photographs.
Disclosure: Please be aware I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no additional cost to you. Please read Amazon Affiliate Disclosure and Affiliate Disclosure
5. Wear hiking boots. It gets muddy and slippery when it rains. Please check out links below from Amazon for recommended boots.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot, Quarry/Cool Wave, 9 M US
Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Boot,Dark Brown,9 M US
Please feel free to ask questions or comment below. I would love to hear from you.
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roads bel travelled 
I have always wanted to visit this marvelous location. Viewing your post helps me bide my time until I can travel there one fine day. Thanks for the post!
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Thanks for the comment. I’m sure when the time comes it would be so worth it. 😊
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We hiked these over the summer! Beautiful hike and the water was gorgeous!
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Yes, it truly is a gorgeous place. 😊
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There is something about the open air
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Definitely. 😊
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Amazing pictures of beautiful trees.
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Thank you! It was really a beautiful place 😊
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Great images and information. You are a brave one too. I’m impressed. 🙂
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I just pretend to brave 😊 Thank you!
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Well you do great at it. 🙂
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😊
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Beautiful places.
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Thank you! 😊
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Your description of the hike was even more captivating than the pictures. Beautiful all around!
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Thank you! I’m glad you liked it.
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So beautiful! Amazing photography and location 🙂
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Thank you 😊❤️
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Enjoyed the trip and helpful suggestions! Thanks!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. You’re welcome and thanks as well 😊
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Beautiful location. I can almost hear the water and smell the pines.
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Thank you 😊
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Breathtaking. Since I don’t travel, I enjoy wanderlust vicariously thru snaps of others. So Beautiful & Peaceful. Thank you for sharing your experiences! XX
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Thank you for your lovely comment. I’m glad I am able to share these beautiful experiences. It truly is a peaceful and unforgettable place 😊❤️
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That seems a very interesting and beautiful place. The pictures are amazing too.
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Yes, it is beautiful and there’s so much to explore. Thank you 😊
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Magnificent views well captured. Outstanding photography.
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Thank you. The views are truly amazing. 😊
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Gorgeous!
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Thank you 😊
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Wish I had your eye. Beautiful.
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Thank you! 🙂
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Nice post, good photos, good narrative, and helpful pointers.
I can see why this place would stick with you!
Seek peace,
Paz
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Hi, Paz! Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate the comment. 😊
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It looks nice:)
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Thank you 😊
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What a pretty place, Bel. I was just in Bend a week ago visiting Tumalo Falls and Smith Rock (thanks to you!). It was super hot and quite smoky, but what beautiful places. We didn’t know about Benham Falls. Now I’ll have to go back again! 🙂
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Yes, I was trying to get Benham Falls out so you could see it in time but I was late! Sorry. Now you have a reason to come back to Oregon – I already have a dozen more reasons 😂 I’m glad you got to see Smith Rock!
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We had so much to see, Bel, that we had to pick and choose. It was 103 degrees in Bend, so our visit to Smith Rock almost didn’t happen. I’d love to explore Oregon further, and we never did get down to the CA redwoods… so another trip is definitely in order. ❤
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Wow it was really hot out there huh? There’s never enough time and the Redwoods is something I would like to see as well – I heard it’s quite unforgettable 😊Just really happy you had a great time!
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IIf you climb another 1000 feet in elevation it will drop about 4 degrees. Add another 4000 feet and it is downright comfortable.
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Good advice! The problem is I can’t seem to start climbing at all in 100+ weather 😂 I just stay inside and wait for cooler weather in general 😊
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Wow, this looks so nice. My sister lived in Oregon and said it is one of the most beautiful places she has ever been. Our parks in Indiana are okay but Red River Gorge is my favorite in Kentucky! 🙂
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I totally agree with your sister. Oregon is pretty cool. I haven’t been to Kentucky I bet the Red River Gorge would be something I would love to see as well. 😊
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I recommend the natural bridge and kayaking Red River if you ever go. It is amazing.
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Added to my list. Thank you 😊
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You are so thorough with advice and suggestions. Good work!
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Thank you Joan! Much appreciated 😊
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So so stunning!!!
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Unbelievably so 😊 Thank you!!
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This is a great Trec. So beautiful, to the eye and the mind.
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Thank you! It was a beautiful place to explore. 😊
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You are welcome.
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I MUST remember this quote!
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Yes you MUST 😊👍
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Gorgeous! We went to Oregon many years ago to a Christian camp. I wish I could remember the name. It was wonderful!
The views remind me of Gooseberry Falls in northern Minnesota. It’s so easy to lose yourself in places like that. Delightfully. And it’s so hard to leave 😥
Thanks, as always, for the great pics and ideas!
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You are right about having a hard time leaving places as beautiful as this…you kind of leave a part of your heart behind. Thank you for your kind words. 😊
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Oh my goodness! It looks so lovely!!!!
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I was really in love with this place 😍
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Beautiful. So peaceful.
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Yes it is! Thank you 😊
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Your very welcome!
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Beautiful pictures and informative commentary. I recently visited Bend for the first time and enjoyed the trip. We flew in and out of Portland (I live in MI) and on the way back we stopped at a rest area near Ogden, OR along the Crooked River. There were two bridges over the water (one for trains and one for cars) and a 300 ft cliff on each side of the river. The rock formations were stunning. We were also entertained by a field of billings squirrels which looked to me like a cross between a chipmunk and a prairie dog. They were so cute peaking their little heads out of their tunnels. We will have to go back to OR and I am glad to have another recommendation of where to visit. Thanks!
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There is so much to explore in the area and it just hits every aspect of what I want when I take a break from reality – stunning scenery and lots of nature trails waiting to be hiked… Oregon is a really beautiful state 😊❤️
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We were visiting to determine if we wanted to move there in retirement. Great vibes in OR.
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I could imagine myself retiring there too. It just has that laid back beach vibe that I love so much. Wouldn’t be surprised if you choose OR 😊
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Looks beautiful. We could check it out next time I am down visiting my kids in Gig Harbor.
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You really should check it out and please let me know what you think when you do 😊
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I 💗💗💗adore Benham Falls! Beautiful photos! We will be in the area in 2 weeks and we can NOT wait! Thank you for sharing this awesome post! You’ve made me more excited for our trip!😁
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Yay! I’m so excited for you. It’s going to be a fun trip for sure. 😊
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Thanks for the reblog 😊
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Beautiful, nature at its finest.
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Truly is a beauty 😊 Thank you!
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This is incredibly beautiful. Great shots!
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Thank you! I appreciate the kind words 😊
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I love the grand forests of Oregon Bel. Enjoy them for me! 🙂
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Hi Brad. I feel like I’m in a fairytale 😊 It’s so pretty.
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Did you move to Oregon? I lived in Portland and almost moved to Eugene.
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Lol I wish. It’s my kind of vibe. I bet you loved Portland it’s close to so many nature trails and waterfalls 😊
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Yes Portland is a cool town and I love the climate; mild 4 season with beautiful forests, rivers, mountains, and ocean!
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Yes, I agree. It would be a nice place to live…maybe I’ll get the chance to someday. 😊
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Agreed. I would love to move back. 🙂
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