Nestled in the heart of sunny central Oregon, Tumalo rests along Oregon's spectacular Deschutes River four miles north of Bend. Its location makes it an ideal base camp for any outdoor activity you could dream of: lush green golf courses, clear blue-ribbon trout steams, pristine alpine lakes, and miles of scenic hiking and mountain bike trails.
The river draws anglers at dawn and dusk casting for rainbow trout. Hot summer days find visitors floating in the cool water. Punch out north from the campground or south from the day-use area to enjoy a scenic hike along the river.
Some sites and all yurts are open year round. Book sites up to 6 months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Reservations required for yurt stays.
Tumalo's day-use area sits on the banks of the Deschutes River and features picnic sites shaded by large ponderosa pines, junipers and alders. A wading area provides a popular spot to splash on a hot day.
A 2.4 mile Tumalo segment of the 12-mile Deschutes River Trail is accessible from the day-use area parking lot. The trail follows the Deschutes River south 1.4 miles to Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, which offers additional trails. This section of the river flows through a canyon with high bluffs on either side. Kayakers frequently pass by, and anglers will find many places on the river's edge to cast their lines. Bikes are not allowed on this section of the trail, and dogs are not allowed at Riley Ranch.
The trail also continues north along the river for a mile. To access it, cross the river on the OB Riley Road Bridge. This section offers access to some slow-moving sections of the river perfect for wading.
Note: Tumalo Falls is not located near Tumalo State Park. This landmark is about a 45-minute drive southwest of the park.
The lakes and rivers found within Oregon State Parks are open to unsupervised swimming. You are responsible for your own safety. Before you enter the water, you should judge your swimming skills against possible strong currents, cold water, underwater objects and steep drop-offs. Remember, that many of our natural bodies of water and man-made reservoirs are filled by snow runoff and remain cold year round. Please bring and wear a personal flotation device and swim with a buddy.
The original land for this park was a gift of 115 acres from Deschutes County in 1954. Other tracts were acquired by purchase and exchange up to 1984. In 1972, Deschutes County gave additional acreage to the state. It is thought that the name Tumalo comes from the Klamath Indian word "temolo," meaning wild plum.