Safety concern closes Tumalo Falls upper overlook

The Deschutes National Forest said Thursday it has temporarily closed the upper overlook platform at Tumalo Falls due to safety concerns with a weld.

The upper overlook is accessed by hiking trail from the parking lot.

After a routine inspection of the platform, engineers found a defect that could become a safety hazard for the public. The overlook will be closed until the issue can be resolved.

“It’s a weld they are looking at,” Public Affairs Specialist Kassidy Kern said. “They’re assessing whether to bring in an X-ray to get a better look at it or just re-weld it.”

The falls’ day-use area, lower overlook (located adjacent to the parking lot) and trailhead are still open to the public, she said, and visitors to the area can still view Tumalo Falls from several open vantage points.

The work to address the safety concerns will begin immediately and forest managers will reopen the overlook platform as soon as possible.