Returned to this location and lots of updates to share. The trail, larger porta-potty and new overlook of falls. They also put in a old style designed cabin. So cute and loved it. Two different areas to view Falls. Both muddy. Still bring your rubber boots or old shoes. Several benches, tables and doggie bags. Many visitors bringing their pups for this walk. East hike but prepare for muddy areas and slippery rocks. The view of the falls is divided left and right side. Right side is not as muddy as the left. read more

See all

One of my favorite waterfalls. There's a new viewing deck in place since the last time I visited. It's not a far walk, but could be considered somewhat challenging to those who have any kind of mobility concerns. There are no stairs, decline can be steep. But for those who can, it's beautiful to see, and an adventure. Make sure to wear good shoes, or take water shoes for wading or swimming. The trail is easy, but getting to the river and views (in all areas) can be difficult due to the rocks. read more

Deschutes Falls Park - Parks Near Me - Yelm, Washington

This is an easy tennis shoe trail hike with beautiful views of the waterfalls in the surrounding area. This time of year it was a little damp, but nothing that really deterred from the experience was lucky enough to meet someone there who I hike the majority of the time with. read more

It's a nice, local little park. I wouldn't drive out of my way to visit since there's more spectacular waterfalls in the PNW, but if you find yourself in the area it's worth the visit. It's a bit of a hike to get from the parking lot to the falls. The walk back, which is uphill, can be challenging for older guests or those not accustomed to walking uphill for about a mile. In the last few years an observation deck has been constructed. Huge improvement that keeps everyone out of the mud. The park itself is small. Depending on the time of year, much of the trails can be muddy. read more

This park is beautiful! I've gone to this park a few times and I plan to go again! This park has safety barriers to keep everyone safe from falling in. The rocks and trails can be slick! I highly recommend some good hiking gear. read more

I don't know if I missed something but this is a very short walk. I'm not sure it I'd call it a hike even. Also, it's kind of an odd placement for a park but nonetheless if you're up for a short drive from Yelm out to the sticks for a short walk then this is the place for you. It's reasonably well maintained as you lead down to the water but I suggest hiking boots or wellies as you'll definitely muck up your good sneakers as the trail turns to grass and then soft muddy ground without notice. You really have to watch your step in places or you'll lose your shoes. I thought the trail continued further after about a mile but then it just gets all weedy and overgrown and then you know you're no long on the trail. I was looking for falls, hence the name of the park, but there were only some smaller cascades that were great but when the website boasts a 27 foot waterfall, I kind of stood near the river a bit puzzled. Don't get me wrong, it was great to be out in nature and to hear the rush of the river nearby, but I really kind of got my hopes up for something spectacular that just wasn't there. I'm sure you can go swimming in the river if you know how to swim and have the right safety equipment or are hiking with a partner. Obviously, proceed with caution as the water moves very fast and can be especially rough after a rain. Overall though, I only passed 2 people on the trail and both were friendly, but I probably won't be driving back out here for such a short hike. I was just trying to experience the Thurston County maintained parks since I've been to quite a few of the Washington State Parks already. read more

See all

Just a short walk pays off in beautiful views of Deschutes Falls. The county parks department has gone to a lot of trouble to create safe overlooks that allow visitors to admire the falls and river. When I was there though, a group of adults with motorized vehicles had taken over the large flat rocks, preventing anyone else from exploring that spot. Fortunately there are other access paths and the rushing water drowned out their noise. I got there at about 11:00 on a Saturday morning and the parking lot (albeit a small one) was full. There are a couple of pullouts that can be used if the lot is full when you arrive. Don't let a full lot keep you from enjoying this great spot! read more

If you're into hiking, not for a big girl lol well my aunt set me up it was 93degrees out so not for me read more

Deschutes Falls Park - Me n my aunty - Parks Near Me - Yelm, Washington

I went to the falls a few days ago it was a fairly easy walk for me. My husband had a little more difficulty because he is visual impared and has some difficulty walking. We liked that the path was clear of obstacles. There is a bench to sit on at the base of the first slight down hill area. The falls were very full do to the rain we have been having. I did see one bald eagle flying around. The cute little cabin house was very cool to look at. Makes me remember that I am very blessed to live in a very large house. read more

See all

So much fun but the water is ice cold lol great for 100° Temps but I probably wouldn't go if it wasn't scorching lol. Only downside is the weirdo that lives in the trailer at the entrance to the park, he's a male karen and easily freaks out on ppl, mainly POC it seems because those are the only ppl we've seen him yell at... smh but if you avoid that creep the rest is great lol read more

Deschutes Falls Park - Parks Near Me - Yelm, Washington

Very easy hike. From the parking area to the falls is only about a quarter mile. We started our watches to track our distance, from the parking area to the falls and then up river and back we went 1.6 miles. You start off going down a step well maintained trail. Since you start going down hill you guessed it, you gotta finish going up it. Not to bad though since it's not a very difficult hike. Will do it again. Dog friendly. read more

See all

So beautiful here I love going with my fiance and my dog. I do recommend for everybody.

OMGOODNESS! I've lived around here for nearly 25 yrs and just recently widened my horizons to include the Gorgeous Deschutes Falls and Park! From the large gravel parking lot a short distance from the end of the county road and complete with its porta potty is the trail with a slight decent that going down would not be a problem, however for some that maybe slightly impaired or elderly it could pose a risk coming back up it afterwards. If you do need help getting back up everyone that comes by will assist you no doubt, and there are many!The Trails wind through the beautiful forest along the Dechutes River with many different views and trails that will delight you all! Take some water and a backpack with lunch and enjoy the day, cause once you get in there you don't want to come out! I've left you a "Not So" Spoiler Alert video so you will go see it for yourself! It's worth the effort, prepare and enjoy!!! Hope you enjoyed my review! read more

Awesome little waterfall with areas to swim! It's not super toddler/little kid friendly because of slippery rocks but an awesome spot for adults or older children. I'm not sure if it's dog friendly but I did see some dogs. There are different spots you can go to view the waterfalls. read more

5 rating for a place to go play in the water.. Beautiful waterfall surrounded with a fence too dangerous.. The river is wide and plenty of space to play around... Trash and carry.. Dogs on a leash.. Easy one mile hike read more

See all

This park is awesome. The caretakers do an absolutely amazing job. They go above and beyond. read more

See all

No food here bring your own and have a picnic. Nice walking trails ,littl e parking lot. read more

Very beautiful area, the views are always worth the trip! However, the people who frequent the road leading there (Bald Hill Rd) are not so pleasant. There's always garbage dumped all along the side of the road and of course irresponsible dog owners can't be bothered to pick up their dog's crap, so there are plenty of piles of that to tip toe around once you're at the park. read more

Thurston Co. Parks recently opened the Deschutes Falls Park on September 1st. Nice short hike down to the falls of approx. .8 miles each way. This is still a work in progress but I am very happy to see the county finally opening this location. It is quite a ways out of Yelm on the Bald Hills Road. Kudos to the county for installing directional markers listing mileage to the destination on the way there. I am looking forward to watching the improvements such as increasing the parking area, installing picnic tables as well as installing benches to rest along the way. read more

See all

Too short. But there's no such thing as a waterfall that's not worth the wait. Great for younger kids

Excellent waterfall park. Lots of daisies in spring. Open fields and river walk. Maybe cascading falls. Great River the deschutes.

Parks Director Ed Marson is a horrible director. He is punishing the people of thurston county closing the park at 3pm. because of his personal conflict with the caretakers. I had to wait 45 minutes to get in on Saturday. The caretakers are actually great people who have done so much to improve that shitty little park. With zero help. Marson refused to implement more safety measures resulting in multiple severe injuries by park patrons. The septic alarm was going off all day a while back and that guy Jason is an asshole about it. It was going off when I got there and still going off when I came back up. I talked to the caretaker and I should have made this sooner. Now they are losing their position. 100% wrong. People of thurston county need to stop this from happening. read more

This is a lovely, free activity. The have areas with fencing if you have children, but there are only 2 viewing areas for this. I, personally, wouldn't take anyone under 12. I also would not take a dog, even though it's allowed. If you are more adventurous you can go right up to the edge of the falls. It was a little slippery. Take into consideration the time of year. We just went the other day, Sept. 24th, and the river water is low, it is receded, so there is more area to walk/explore along the edge. They also have a swimming hole up toward the end of the trail that is swim at your own risk. I do think they need to put in some intermittent railings, but over all it was beautiful. read more

See all

This a great little spot to take your family. Not too big and pretty safe id day. During the wet seasons the ground is very muddy and slippery so I would highly recommend going during the summer. The one downfall is it's pretty small park. You can see a cool bridge that goes over the water but you can't get to it because it on private property. Other then that it's pretty cool. read more