Looking to chase waterfalls? Oregon is home to at least 238 known waterfalls, and we’ve rounded up ten of our favorites to get you started. Remember to watch your footing and practice Leave No Trace principles. Now get out there!
Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
It’s no mystery why Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. Featuring the tallest waterfall in the state, this spot sees more than 2 million visitors per year. The hike to the falls is steep—it’s roughly 2.4 miles round trip to the top of the falls, and can be extremely slippery during the wet season. Reservations are required from May to September, so remember to plan ahead!
Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
If you’re traveling along the Columbia River Highway, be sure to stop at Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint! The site of an old lumber mill, this state park is home to the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls and gorgeous views of the Columbia River. The short 0.3-mile trail brings visitors right to the base of the falls. After you’ve taken in the views, be sure to check out the other 0.5-mile interpretive trail with views of Hamilton Mountain, Beacon Rock and Archer Mountain.
Salt Creek Falls, Willamette National Forest
Cascading 286 feet, Salt Creek Falls is Oregon’s second highest single drop waterfall, and a popular day hiking spot near Crescent, Oregon. After learning about the falls at the observation site, hike down roughly 0.02 miles to the viewing platform. If you continue to the right, visitors can follow the stairs down to the base of the falls. This trail can be slippery during the wet season, so watch your footing!
Toketee Falls, Umpqua National Forest
Toketee Falls is renowned for the columnar basalt formation that frames the two-stepped falls, making it one of the most well known falls in the state. Along the 0.9-mile trail to the falls, visitors will pass through old-growth Douglas fir, Western red cedar, big leaf maple, and Pacific yew.
Punch Bowl Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Named for the bowl-like pool carved by the falls, this waterfall is a must see if you are visiting Oregon. One of the more popular falls, it’s no wonder Punch Bowl Falls appears on postcards and top attraction sites in Oregon. To see the falls, follow the 4.2 miles (round trip) hike along the Eagle Creek Trail within the Columbia River Gorge.
South Falls, Silver Falls State Park
The tallest falls in the park, South Falls is one of ten falls along the Trail of Ten Falls. So what makes this one so special you ask? You can actually walk behind it! If you want to see all 10 waterfalls, the total hike is around 7.6 miles, but visitors can take the shorter 1.1 mile loop to the falls.
Tamanawas Falls, Mount Hood National Forest
Near the eastern base of Mount Hood, this popular picturesque waterfall tumbles over a 110-foot lava cliff surrounded by Douglas fir. Hiking to the postcard-worthy Tamanawas Falls is a 3.40 mile, out and back trail that can be icy in the winter. Pack spikes if you plan on visiting during December to early March. Please note that this is a popular hike and can be crowded during the peak season.
Abiqua Falls, Santiam State Forest
If you are looking for spectacular scenery and a bit off the beaten path, look no further than Abiqua Falls! This single drop waterfall is roughly 92 feet tall surrounded by a unique basalt amphitheater and dotted with lichens, mosses and old-growth forest. This waterfall is difficult to get to and is located on private land that is accessible to the public. The trailhead is notoriously difficult to find and you’ll need to download detailed directions prior to your arrival.
Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site
The tallest waterfall in the Coastal Range, Munson Creek Falls is a startling 319-foot drop into a pool below. This popular 0.5-mile trail takes you close to the base of the falls where visitors can gaze up in wonder at the thundering waters. There is a picnic area nearby, so be sure to pack a lunch!
Latourell Falls, Guy W. Talbot State Park
Just outside of downtown Portland, our first waterfall on the list is the popular Latourell Falls. Widely considered a moderate to difficult hike, the 3.0 mile loop takes visitors through Guy W. Talbot State Park to Upper Latourell Falls where visitors can observe the third tallest waterfall in the Columbia Gorge. Please note, this is a fairly popular day use trail with private residences nearby—respect other visitors and neighbors during your trip.
