Wednesday's Word - Tumalo | Outdoor Project

Tumalo is the name bestowed on a mountain, creek, waterfall, and small Oregon town between Bend and Sisters. The name is from the Klamath language. It's derived from one of two words: either tumolu, which means "wild plum," or tumola, which means "ground fog." Both are appropriate given the abundance of the former and frequent occurrence of the latter in the area. The town of Tumalo was originally called Laidlaw, but residents changed its name after the Tumalo Irrigation Project had a post office established on the spot in 1904.

Tumalo Falls is readily accessible from Highway 20. Hiking along the creek leads past nine more waterfalls, most of which, although beautiful, remain unnamed. The area is popular for both summer hiking and winter snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Views of Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters from the summit of Tumalo Mountain make the day-hike a great option for easily-accessible perspectives of this incredible area. Tumalo State Park has a campground that includes seven reservable yurts and swimming hole access along the Deschutes River.