Tumalo Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tumalo Creek |
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Below Tumalo Falls
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 Location of the mouth of Tumalo Creek in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Deschutes |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | confluence of Middle and North forks of Tumalo Creek Deschutes National Forest near Mount Bachelor, Cascade Range 5,597 ft (1,706 m) 44°02′49″N 121°35′55″W / 44.04694°N 121.59861°W |
| River mouth | Deschutes River north of Bend, upstream of Tumalo State Park 3,245 ft (989 m) 44°06′57″N 121°20′22″W / 44.11583°N 121.33944°W |
| Length | 20 mi (32 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 59 sq mi (150 km2) |
Tumalo Creek is a beautiful stream in Central Oregon, United States. It flows for about 20 miles (32 kilometers) and is an important part of the Deschutes River system. This creek is famous for its stunning waterfalls, including the tall Tumalo Falls. It also provides drinking water for the city of Bend.
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About Tumalo Creek
Tumalo Creek is a stream that flows through Deschutes County in Central Oregon. It's about 20 miles (32 kilometers) long. The creek starts high up in the Cascade Range where two smaller streams, Middle Fork Tumalo Creek and North Fork Tumalo Creek, join together.
Where Does it Flow?
The creek begins in the Deschutes National Forest near Mount Bachelor. As it flows, it creates several waterfalls. One of the most famous is Tumalo Falls, which drops about 97 feet (30 meters). Tumalo Creek eventually flows into the Deschutes River, just north of Bend.
Home for Fish
Tumalo Creek is a home for different types of fish. One special fish found here is the Columbia River redband trout. These fish need clean, healthy water to live and grow.
Water for Bend
A very important job of Tumalo Creek is to provide drinking water for the city of Bend. The water from the creek is cleaned and then sent to homes and businesses in the city.
Water for Farms
Sometimes, the lower parts of the creek are used for irrigation. This means some of the water is taken out to help water crops on farms. This happens through special tunnels and canals, like the Tumalo Canal.
Protecting the Creek
In 1979, a big fire called the Bridge Creek Fire happened near Tumalo Creek. This fire, and the logging that happened after it, caused more dirt to wash into the creek. This damaged the homes for fish and other wildlife.
Since 2003, many groups have been working together to help the creek heal. Government agencies and volunteers are restoring the fish and wildlife habitats along a 3-mile (5-kilometer) part of the stream. They are working to make Tumalo Creek a healthy place for nature again.
