Benham Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Benham Falls |
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| Location | 3.5 miles north of Sunriver, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 43°56′15″N 121°24′44″W / 43.93750°N 121.41222°W |
| Type | Cascade |
| Elevation | 4,153 ft (1,266 m) |
| Total height | 25 ft (7.6 m) |
| Total width | 40 ft (12 m) |
Benham Falls is a cool spot on the Deschutes River in Oregon, United States. It's located between the towns of Sunriver and Bend. Instead of a tall, straight drop like some waterfalls, Benham Falls is a series of powerful rapids. These rapids are rated Class 5 for watercraft, which means they are very challenging! They are the biggest rapids on the upper part of the Deschutes River.
How Benham Falls Was Formed
About 6,000 years ago, a volcano called Lava Butte erupted nearby. The flowing lava blocked the Deschutes River, creating a big lake known as Lake Benham. Over time, the river found a way to flow over this lava dam. As the water rushed over the dam, it carved out the Benham Falls we see today. The falls were later named after J. R. Benham, who tried to claim land in the area around 1885.
Exploring Benham Falls
Today, it's easy to visit Benham Falls. There are forest roads that connect the falls to other interesting places like Lava Butte and Lava River Cave. You can also find a footbridge that leads to an easy trail right next to the river and the falls.
This area is very shady and full of wildlife and beautiful flowers. Because of all the water and plants, you might also find some mosquitoes! The United States Forest Service has even built special lookouts. These spots give visitors amazing views of the river gorge.
Hikers and mountain bikers can continue on this trail. If you keep going, you'll pass other falls like Dillon Falls and Lava Island Falls. Eventually, the trail leads all the way to the city of Bend. Benham Falls is easier to see than some other falls downstream. This is because it's surrounded by forest, not by rough lava flow from Lava Butte. Its easy access makes it a very popular place to visit.
Location and Protection
Benham Falls is located within the Deschutes National Forest. It's also part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. There are two recreation sites nearby: Benham Falls Recreation Site and Benham Falls West Recreation Site. These areas offer great opportunities for outdoor fun.
