Tumalo Creek

Tumalo Creek Brings Critical Cold Water to the Deschutes River

T​umalo C​reek originates from springs and snowmelt in the Cascade Mountains west of Bend and enjoys robust base flows of around 75 cubic feet per second (CFS), with peak flows in the spring of about 250 CFS.

The creek joins the Deschutes River after crashing down Tumalo Falls and flowing through State, Federal and private lands.

Drinking water diversions from Bridge Creek and irrigation diversions from Tumalo Creek severely limit summer streamflow in this scenic creek. We have worked with our partners to restore streamflow ​through instream leasing and canal piping.