White River Falls State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)
- Entrance fee
- Free entryAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- stateparks.oregon.gov(541) 739-2322
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
White River Falls State Park is a park in Wasco County, about 25 miles south of The Dalles.
Things to do include fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| The park’s wording doesn’t give clock times — see the official wording below. | |||
Official wording
Open for day use: year round
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Los Angeles).
Pets
Pets must be physically restrained (held or on a leash no longer than six feet) except in designated off-leash areas or inside a vehicle, tent or pet-friendly yurt/cabin; owners pick up after pets.
Statewide rule from Oregon's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
The park lists no entrance fee.
Oregon park passes
- 12-month day-use parking permit — $60 Oregon residents; $75 non-residents. Day-use parking at parks that require a day-use parking permit Details
- Daily parking permit — $10 per day per vehicle (residents); $12 (non-residents). Parking for the day at any state park that requires a day-use parking permit Details
From the Oregon state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com)
- Phone
- 800-452-5687
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
Is camping allowed at White River Falls? White River Falls State Park is day use only. Camping is not allowed. There is camping nearby along the Deschutes River, at Cottonwood Canyon State Park, or at the Deschutes River State Recreation Area. Can I visit the park with my large RV? We do not recommend any vehicles over 24 feet enter the park. The parking lot is small with limited turnaround space.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
FishingHikingPicnicking
Trails
How far of a hike is it to see the waterfall? Not far at all. From the main entrance and parking lot, it is just a short walk over flat graveled paths. The hike to the bottom of the falls is for advanced hikers. The trail to the bottome is short, steep, and rocky with about a 150 foot elevation change.
Swimming
Is swimming allowed at White River Falls State Park? Swimming is not recommended due to dangerous river currents.
Boating and paddling
Is kayaking allowed at White River Falls/Celestial Falls? Kayaking is not permitted on the White River at White River Falls State Park. The nearby Deschutes River is a great alternative. A boater pass is required on the Deschutes River.
Fishing
Is fishing allowed in the park? Yes, but be sure to check the current fishing regulations on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website, or call ODFW at: (503) 947-6000.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Picnic areas
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Rules and permits
Know Before You Go: This park is remote and rugged. Stay safe in the summer heat. Carry plenty of water - 20 ounces per person, per hour ---if you plan to hike to the bottom of the canyon in the hot sun. There is very limited shade in the park, and the rock canyon walls radiate more heat, which can cause heat-related illnesses. Potable water is available near the flush restroom building (summer months only). Standing on or climbing on the edge of the river canyon cliffs & historic structures is dangerous and is not permitted. Swimming is not recommended due to dangerous and unpredictable river currents. Due to the parks remote location, emergency services may have a delayed response time. Is commercial photography/filming allowed at the park? Commercial photography/filming is not permitted at this park and we do not issue Special Use Permits for these activities.
Getting there
- Nearest town
- The Dalles — about 25 mi south (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 45.2417, -121.0944
- Phone
- (541) 739-2322
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Oregon State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Aug 18, 2026
- Oregon State Parks park finder JSON (services/park.cfc?method=getAll), used by the Find a Park page
- Wikidata
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology