Majesty. Spectacle. Awe. These are apt first impressions of the Columbia Gorge between Oregon and Washington, east of Portland. Within its forested mountains are dozens of dazzling waterfalls, including the 620-foot Multnomah Falls, about 40 minutes from city centre. It’s on a network of trails that lead to other examples of nature’s dynamism, including the multitiered Wahkeena Falls.
Beyond the gorge, head east to the perpetually snow-capped Mount Hood to see Tamanawas Falls and Ramona Falls. Head south to Silver Falls State Park for a 7-mile trail that includes 10 falls, some of which form curtains of water you can walk behind. Return to a Portland suburb to see Cedar Mill Falls. Read on to learn about 10 spectacular locations.
- 1
Multnomah Falls
Visit Oregon’s tallest waterfall and most-visited national recreation area
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
Multnomah Falls is rightfully considered the epicentre of waterfalls in Oregon. At 620 feet, it’s the tallest in the state, and its dramatic plunge is visible from Interstate 84. Great photo opportunities start as soon as you arrive at the lodge, which has a gift shop, bathrooms, and a restaurant. A bridge that crosses in front of the falls is visible from the initial viewing area, and takes only a few minutes to reach. The trail continues to a small viewing area at the top.
The 2.6-mile out-and-back trail is considered moderately challenging because of its steep incline. Multnomah Falls gets extremely crowded, and timed use permits are required from late May through early September.
Location: 53000 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Bridal Veil, OR 97010, USA
Phone: +1 503-695-2372
Map - 2
Latourell Falls
See two gorgeous Columbia Gorge waterfalls on a two-mile loop
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
Latourell Falls is a 224-foot, single-plunge waterfall located on a 2-mile loop that starts in Guy W. Talbot State Park. The hike is considered moderately challenging; the falls are audible from the car park and visible very soon on the trail. The plunge is bordered by green lichen on black basalt walls. Once you reach the base of the falls, you can cross a historic bridge and stand near the water and feel its spray.
The trail passes into a second state park, the George W. Joseph Natural Area, where you’ll encounter Upper Latourell Falls, a 2-tiered drop that finishes with a plunge into a pool. The trail contains some rocky areas and passes through dense foliage.
Location: Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
Phone: +1 800-551-6949
Map - 3
Bridal Veil Falls
This two-tiered waterfall has an upper and lower trail
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
Bridal Veil Falls is a 2-tiered waterfall named for its resemblance to the wedding-dress accessory. The state scenic viewpoint has 2 short trails that offer different viewpoints of the falls. A shorter 1/3-mile trail crosses Bridal Veil Creek and descends to a viewing platform at the base of the falls, which measures 120 feet tall. The trail is steep and has many switchbacks.
The half-mile Overlook Trail offers spectacular views of the Columbia River, several mountains, and a rock formation known as the Pillars of Hercules. No passes or use permits are required here.
Location: 46701 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
Phone: +1 503-695-2261
Map - 4
Wahkeena Falls
Get spectacular views and connect to trails leading to other falls
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
Wahkeena Falls is a 242-foot, multitiered waterfall located just west of Multnomah Falls. It’s located on a 5-mile loop that’s considered moderately challenging. If you’re ambitious, you can connect to other trails here, including one that leads to Multnomah Falls. The trail to Wahkeena Falls, good for birding, hiking, and rock-climbing, passes several other, smaller falls.
You’ll cross Wahkeena Creek at the start of the trail and eventually reach a series of switchbacks and a stone bridge to a viewing area. Later, a steep, half-mile section of trail leads to another spot that includes views of the falls and several mountains in the Columbia Gorge. It’s known to get crowded in warm-weather months, but there is no use fee.
Location: Wahkeena Trail #420, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
Phone: +1 541-308-1700
Map - 5
Punch Bowl Falls
Have a swim at the end of this hike with sheer cliffs and dramatic views
- Couples
- Photo
Punch Bowl Falls is located at the end of a 1.9-mile trail along Eagle Creek. It’s a 33-foot plunge into a pool that many people use for a swimming hole. A 12-foot plunge called Lower Punch Bowl Falls makes a second pool nearby. Despite this cosy conclusion, the hike to and from the falls can be treacherous. The trail was blasted from sheer cliffs. It gets narrow, reaching 600-foot elevations with steep drop-offs, so it’s not recommended for young ones or dogs.
Although sections of the 4.2-mile trail goes through forested areas damaged by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, some reviewers have described its scenery as comparable to that in the “Lord of the Rings” films.
Location: NE Eagle Creek Loop, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Phone: +1 541-308-1700
Map - 6
South Falls
Walk behind a curtain of falling water
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
South Falls is the most accessible – and the most dramatic – waterfall on a 7.2-mile loop called the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park. South Falls is the tallest, at 177 feet. Water drops from a ledge and forms a curtain. The 1.1-mile loop that descends 200 feet to the falls passes behind that curtain. Phenomenal views of South Falls are to be had from multiple angles all along the short trail. The longer trail, which has an elevation change of 800 feet, contains large rocks and tree roots, so bring good hiking shoes.
Silver Falls State Park also offers a campground, camping cabins, bathrooms, several food vendors, a swimming area, and a gift shop.
Location: Silver Falls Hwy SE, Silverton, OR 97381, USA
Phone: +1 800-551-6949
Map - 7
Tamanawas Falls
Take a forested hike to a boulder field and dramatic falls
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
Tamanawas Falls is a popular destination year-round on the east slope of Mount Hood, one of several perpetually snow-covered mountains in Oregon and Washington. The waterfall, which is 40 feet wide and stands 100 feet tall, is at the end of a 3.4-mile return trail along Cold Spring Creek. See cedars, Douglas fir, and Engelmann spruce trees along the way, and sit among boulders at the foot of the falls.
You can visit the falls any time of year with the proper equipment. Bring good shoes for summer hikes, and in the winter, you might consider snowshoes.
Location: OR-35, Mt Hood, OR 97041, USA
Phone: +1 541-352-6002
Map - 8
Ramona Falls
See a cascading display of water and natural light
- Couples
- Photo
Seeing Ramona Falls is like watching a light show. The 100-foot waterfall appears in a wooded area and spreads into a wide cascade over a rock face. The water bounces off the formations, creating a sort of glow that’s enhanced when sun rays pass through trees to form multiple spotlights. The 7-mile return trail is popular because of its gradual elevation gain, natural beauty, proximity to Mount Hood, and the remarkable waterfall itself.
A footbridge that crossed the Sandy River about a mile into the trail was washed away in the 1990s and will not be replaced, so use caution when crossing the river. Consult the US Forest Service page on the trail for a river-crossing guide.
Location: Muddy Fork Rd, Rhododendron, OR 97049, USA
Phone: +1 503-622-3191
Map - 9
Cedar Mill Falls
Visit a waterfall in the suburbs formed by lava flow
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
Cedar Mill Falls is in a regional park just west of incorporated Portland that encompasses parts of Cedar Mill Creek. The waterfall is 32 feet high and, according to state geology experts, was formed by lava flow. The trailhead starts at the Cedar Mill Bible Church car park and passes by remnants of the mill that gives the area (and church) its name.
Cedars and maples create a pleasant setting for the waterfall, which is visible from a boardwalk. The 5.1-mile trail extends through greenways and parks in the suburban setting.
Location: 12208 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229, USA
Phone: +1 503-645-6433
Map - 10
Abiqua Falls
Take an easy, wooded hike to a waterfall flanked by stone columns
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
Abiqua Falls can be challenging to reach, yet most hikers who’ve visited the unusual location say it’s more than worthwhile. The secluded 92-foot waterfall descends over basalt rock formed into multiple hexagonal columns, so it resembles a stone pipe organ. If you seek a less-traveled path with few people, this is the place to go.
The trail is not well-marked (it’s private land, legally accessible), so you might want to download a map beforehand. You’ll need a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle to reach the trailhead. Otherwise, there’s a car park at the base of the gravel road leading to it. From there, it’s about a 5-mile return. The short trail to the falls gets a bit steep, so be prepared.
Location: Toll House Park, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Phone: +1 541-308-1700
Map