Features
About this place
Get a view of White River Falls' scenic waterfalls and explore an old, historic power plant. During the warmer months, there's a great swimming hole to cool off.
White River Falls is located 35 miles south of The Dalles and 4.5 miles east of Tygh Valley. With only a short walk from the parking area to the viewing area and trails leading down to the water.
White River Falls, which is the furthest upstream, drops about 75 feet with multiple channels, and at high water can reach 250 feet wide. Celestial Falls is just 200 feet downstream and plunges 44 feet into a large pool, perfect for swimming.
In the early 1900's a hydro-power plant was placed at the bottom of the falls which supplied water to the surrounding areas. It was taken out of commission in 1960 after the completion of The Dalles dam along the Columbia River.
Every summer the river shows its name by turning a milky white color. This happens due to glacial sediment being pushed downstream from the White glacier on Mt. Hood, the White River's headwaters. The water than flows into the Deschutes River and can cause fisherman havoc due to poor water quality.