Dillon Falls are rapids on the Deschutes River in the U.S. state of Oregon near Bend in the Deschutes National Forest. Unlike the nearby Benham Falls, Dillon Falls are not widely documented because they are hard to see. Trails provide a somewhat better view of the falls. The falls were named after Leander Dillon, a nearby homesteader.
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Benham Falls are rapids of the Deschutes River located between the resort community of Sunriver and the town of Bend, Oregon, United States. With a pitch of 22.5°, they are rated Class 5 for watercraft, and are the largest falls on the upper Deschutes.
The falls were created by the eruption of nearby Lava Butte approximately 6,000 years ago, as the lava flow dammed the Deschutes, forming a lake known as Lake Benham. The river eventually flowed over the dam, draining the lake and thus forming Benham Falls. Around 1885, J. R. Benham attempted and failed to file a land claim near the falls, though they were later named for him.
Today, there are forest roads connecting Benham Falls to Lava Butte, Lava River Cave, and Sunriver Resort. A footbridge connects the forest road to an easy-to-navigate trail near the river and falls. The shady area has much wildlife and flowers. Because of this, the area also has mosquitoes. The United States Forest Service has established a few lookouts over the gorge for viewers. Hikers and mountain bikers who continue on this trail pass Dillon Falls, Lava Island Falls, and eventually, the city of Bend. Benham Falls is relatively easier to see compared to the falls downstream, because it is not surrounded by lava flow from Lava Butte, but surrounded by forest. Because of its location, it is also much more popular.
Benham Falls is also in the Deschutes National Forest and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Benham Falls Recreation Site and Benham Falls West Recreation Site are located nearby.
3.4 km
Lava Island Falls are rapids on the Deschutes River. Rated a Class 5 for watercraft, they are difficult to navigate because of an island of lava from Lava Butte that blocked part of the river.
5.7 km
The High Desert Museum is located near Bend, Oregon, United States. Opened in 1982, it brings regional wildlife, culture, art and natural resources together to promote an understanding of natural and cultural heritage of North America's high desert country. The museum includes indoor and outdoor exhibits of wildlife in natural-like habitats along with traveling exhibits and living history demonstrations. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is also a Smithsonian Affiliate institution.
5.8 km
Seventh Mountain is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Deschutes County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. The community lies along the west bank of the Deschutes River southwest of Bend.
Century Drive Highway, part of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, connects Bend to Seventh Mountain. From Seventh Mountain, the byway runs west to Mount Bachelor and its ski area. The CDP is closely associated with the Seventh Mountain Resort, which includes 21 lodging buildings with more than 200 condominiums.
As of the 2020 census, Seventh Mountain had a population of 407. The CDP covers an area of 2.0 square miles.
5.9 km
Deschutes River Woods is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Deschutes County, Oregon, United States. It is part of the Bend, Oregon Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, Deschutes River Woods had a population of 5,532.
He died in 1907. Dillon Falls starts off as a dramatic 15-foot (4.6 m) drop, then become a steep and violent Class-5 rapids with a hazardously positioned tree in the center before ending as class 2 and 3. Experienced rafters can run the falls before taking out at Lava Island Falls downstream.