We spent six weeks in Oregon, hiking trails and chasing waterfalls - and we fell in love with the beauty in this great state!
We found so many Oregon waterfalls, that we couldn't wait to share them with you. Additionally, we added 60 additional Oregon waterfall hikes to the map that are on our bucket list. We hope you get to them, too!
Here are 18 amazing Oregon waterfalls in the state, and the details are outlined for you below. (Please note that all hike distances are round-trip.) Happy hiking!
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Change: 285 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: McKenzie River
Trail Info
Tamolitch Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Oregon, primarily because of the amazing - and very cold -swimming pool that the waterfall flows into. This pool is where the McKenzie River emerges after entering into a lava tube at the Carmen Reservoir, creating the waterfall.
The beginning of the hike is pretty easy, but don't get too relaxed. You'll need to head along a cliff and into the dry river bed before reaching the falls.
Note: Right after we left the McKenzie River Area, this hike (and many others in the area) were closed due to the Knoll Wildfire. Please keep note on the status of Willamette National Forest Service before you visit.
Distance: 2.1 miles
Elevation Change: 643 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: Columbia River Gorge
Trail Info
If you don't feel up for the 2.1-mile hike, then you can drive to the parking lot and walk a few hundred feet to see the lower falls (pictured here). With just a little more energy you can hike down to the bottom of the lower falls and touch the water.
We took the whole hike, first climbing to the top to see the upper LaTourell Falls - then descending to the lower falls. The upper falls are not as tall as the lower falls, but they are just as powerful and just as beautiful. I highly recommend making the entire loop if you can.
Distance: 7.1 miles
Elevation Change: 1,066 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: Mt Hood
Trail Info
Ramona Falls was our absolute favorite hike of the Mount Hood area. It's a relatively easy hike, and pretty family-friendly. AllTrails says 7.1 miles, but I clocked us at 8.
The tricky part is crossing Sandy River. We were lucky on our hike that the water was not "over" the fallen trees, so we could use them as a bridge. Other times of the day or season, the water is higher so you have to ford it at about knee-high. If it's rushing too quickly though, please turn back!
Sandy River is grey but it's not dirty; it's a glacial river. The grey is called "glacial flour," and it happens in mid- to late-summer. It's caused by the grinding of rock under the weight of the glacier.which melts more and runs downstream more in warm months.
You can't climb much closer than I am in this photo. They are trying to regenerate the flora around the falls and there are signs to keep from getting closer. But the creek that the falls flow into is clear and beautiful, and there are plenty of places downstream from the falls to play in if you want to get wet.
Distance: 2.0 miles
Elevation Change: 226 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: Bend
Instagram Video
Trail Info
I'm shocked that AllTrails calls this a moderate hike - it felt more "easy" to me. Maybe that is because we were so excited to get down to the falls.
The waterfall is beautiful and certainly stands alone, but if you ask me, the best part is cliff jumping right across from the falls. Yes, the water is cold, but it is so much fun! The kids all jumped about a half-dozen time each, and a group of twenty-somethings were jumping as well.
Read More: 19+ AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN BEND OREGON FOR OUTDOOR-LOVERS
Distance: .5 miles
Elevation Change: 78 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Area of the State: McKenzie River
Instagram Video
Trail Info
The Koosah Falls are breathtaking, and give you the impression you're in a remote part of the globe.not just a few hundred yards from a major highway. And the color is striking - this photo just doesn't do it justice.
If you want to see the falls, you can walk the half-mile from the parking area, but we walked the 3-mile loop that included this waterfall and Sahalie Falls. I highly recommend it!
Note: Right after we left the McKenzie River Area, this hike (and many others in the area) were closed due to the Knoll Wildfire. Please keep note on the status of Willamette National Forest before you visit.
Distance: .5 miles
Elevation Change: 78 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Area of the State: Columbia River Gorge
Trail Info
Bridal Veil Falls is a short walk from the parking lot, and rewards you with a beautiful waterfall. Most people who visit are on a waterfall tour through Columbia Falls, so their stay is short. You can, however, make a longer visit of this waterfall and jump from the rock that Cooper is sitting on.
It's chilly, so bring a Thermos of soup for your picnic lunch!
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation Change: 580 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: Columbia River Gorge/Mt Hood
Instagram Video
Trail Info
During your route to Tamanawas Falls, you'll hike along two bodies of water. The first is a grey glacier river, and the second is crystal clear. The clear water followed most of the hike, with mini waterfalls the whole way. It looks like a small river, but it's Cold Spring Creek.
Rocks and roots kept the hike fun, and the elevation gain was minimal. Honestly.this hike is worth the effort even without the capstone at the end-the falls.
Tamanawas Falls spills 110ft over a lava cliff that is stunning. The spray is strong and a nice way to cool off after the hike.or do what our kids did and just jump in the creek.
Distance: .7 miles
Elevation Change: 114 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Area of the State: Mt Hood
Trail Info
The signs along this short trail call the area an "enchanted forest" and I could not agree more. You'll follow the creek to the waterfall, under a dense canopy of trees.
Once you reach the falls you'll notice a trail along the side that allows you to climb to the top. It's a bit of a scramble, but if you can make it then be sure to take the effort. The view from the top of the falls is striking.
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation Change: 666 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: Mt Hood
Instagram Video
Trail Info
Who doesn't love a double waterfall hike? The trail leaves from the parking lot of Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort, so there is plenty of parking. The first waterfall is just past the falls trailhead. The second one required a pretty crazy rock scramble down a very very steep cliff side.
We visited in late summer and the trail was filled with tons of wildflowers. I recommend planning your trip on a clear day because the views of Mt Hood will blow your mind.
Distance: 1.6 miles
Elevation Change: 147 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: McKenzie River
Instagram Video
Trail Info
The flow from Proxy Falls comes from multiple springs running off the North Sister mountain. The height? 226 feet of beautiful canyon, moss and ferns.
The total hike is 1.6 miles (a loop) and includes two short spurs. One to the lower falls, pictured above, and the other to the upper falls. The side trail to the lower falls is a scramble, so if you have bad knees or difficulty walking, you'll want to skip it.
Bring water shoes if you have them. The rocks are slippery and the water is cold.but walking thru the springs to get to the spray is a must!
Note: Right after we left the McKenzie River Area, this hike (and many others in the area) were closed due to the Knoll Wildfire. Please keep note on the status of Willamette National Forest before you visit.
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation Change: 810 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: Columbia River Gorge
Trail Info
Multnomah Falls is only about 30 minutes from Portland, and is Oregon's tallest waterfall at 620 feet tall. In fact, it's the most visited natural recreation site in the PNW, which is why it currently requires reservations between 9am and 6pm.
You don't have to hike the entire loop (which is fairly challenging) to get a great vantage point. The shot above is just after the parking lot, which gets really busy, so make a plan to be there early! You'll also want to make time for seeing the Lodge, with a restaurant and visitor center.
Pro Tip: If you're this close, you may as well see Portland! Here is a great "Things to Do in Portland with Kids" itinerary for your day trip!
Read More: 15+ PERFECT THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND OREGON
While you're in Portland, try one of these amazing tours!
Distance: 6.8 miles
Elevation Change: 1,217 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: Bend
Trail Info
Tumalo Falls is probably the most popular waterfall in the Bend area. The loop is about a 7 mile hike.or you can take the Tumalo to Dry Falls Loop at only 2 miles, which will take you to Double Falls and Upper Double Falls. Both routes are very popular, so avoid the weekend if you can. In fact, even on a weekday, going early for a parking spot is recommended.
If you're visiting, be sure to catch it from all angles. As you're walking to the Upper Viewpoint, there is a narrow but worn path just to the right that allows you to walk right up to the falls. You can also access the stream from here.
Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Change: 915 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: Columbia River Gorge
Trail Info
Wahkeena is another stop along the famed waterfall area on the Historic Columbia River Highway. We loved the name - it's the Yakama word for "most beautiful." The 242-foot cascade is a tiered fall.
You'll take a number of switchbacks up a steep grade to get here, but if you can make the hike and add just two more miles, then I recommend this route, which will allow you to also see Weisendanger Falls, Ecola Falls and Fairy Falls.
Distance: .7 miles
Elevation Change: 249 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: Between Portland and Eugene
Trail Info
Before we tell you about this waterfall, please take note that it is on private property. The owners graciously allow day hikers to visit, so please help us keep this option open by staying on the trail and following the posted rules. Also, it's a little difficult to find the trail because it's not heavily trafficked, so be sure to download your AllTrails map before you get there.
The falls are less than a mile from the trailhead, but if you don't have an off-road vehicle you might want to park at the end of the paved road, which adds about 2.5 miles RT to your hike - still worth it! There is a section with a lot of scrambling, but there is a rope tied to the trees that helps you navigate the route.
Bring swimsuits and a picnic - it's a fun place to stay a while!
Read More: 15 FUN THINGS TO DO IN EUGENE, OREGON
Distance: .8 miles
Elevation Change: 170 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: Outside Mt Hood
Trail Info
This 35-foot fall is located inside White River Falls State Park, about 35 miles south of The Dalles. It's a steep hike, and swimming here is not recommended; there have been too many deadly accidents. Be sure to scramble down to the bottom where you can see the entire falls.
The ruins you see there? They're from a hydropower plant which supplied electricity to north central Oregon from 1910 to 1960.
Distance: 7.4 miles
Elevation Change: 1210 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area of the State: Hour from Portland
Trail Info
This stunning hike in Silver Falls State Park is lengthy, but where else can you see TEN stunning waterfalls in ONE hike? If you head clockwise like the map suggests, these are the falls you'll see, in order: South Falls, Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls, Middle North Falls, Twin Falls, North Falls, Upper North Falls, and Winter Falls.
The falls vary in their beauty and height, ranging from 27 feet to 178 feet, depending on the time of the year. You're able to walk behind four of them, also! If you want to visit just a few of the falls, there are shorter trails that will take you to a selection of these.
Distance: 1.0 miles
Elevation Change: 223 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Area of the State: McKenzie River
Trail Info
Salt Creek Falls is the second highest waterfall in Oregon, at 286 feet. The viewing platform is just down the trail.
To the left of the viewing platform, the trail continues to loop around, offering a short hike back to the parking lot. Walk along the Salt Creek through the picnic area for more views.
For a longer hike, take the bridge from the picnic area across Salt Creek to the Diamond Creek Falls Loop Trail. It will take you along the rims of the Salt Creek and Diamond Creek Canyons and the bottom of Diamond Creek Falls.
Note: Right after we left the McKenzie River Area, this hike (and many others in the area) were closed due to the Knoll Wildfire. Please keep note on the status of Willamette National Forest before you visit.
Distance: .9 miles
Elevation Change: 167 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Area of the State: Umpqua National Forest
Trail Info
The beautiful falls flow more than 100 feet down, with a 28-foot upper tier which plunges into a pool flanked by a deep alcove, followed by an 85-foot plunge into a large pool. The columnar basalt formation has made photos of the waterfall famous around the world.
Don't make plans to hike to the bottom unless you are a Marine-style fitness fanatic. Besides being extremely steep, you'll have to rappel about 30-feet down with a rope tied to a tree (and use your own strength to pull yourself back up).
Nearby Watson Falls, the third tallest waterfall in Oregon, is also worth a visit.
We've mapped our favorite falls along those that are on our bucket list. The Oregon waterfalls in red are those that are mentioned in this article. Are we missing an amazing waterfall? Let us know and we'll add it to the map!
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