Nothing beats the dashing show of gravity that a waterfall provides. A waterfall walk is always a pleasant thing to do, whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time resident of the state.
One of the most popular waterfall-lined locations to visit is the Columbia River Gorge in Portland. In Oregon's national forests, many waterfalls create a splash. Whether you're looking for a plunge, a punch bowl, or a cascade of cascading drops, each season brings a new perspective and incentive to return.
Some waterfalls, such as Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, are accessible by car. Others, such as Tamanawas Falls in the Mount Hood National Forest, require a longer walk. Before traveling, be sure to check the weather at your destination. Our selection of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon will help you plan your outdoor activities.
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1. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area's Multnomah Falls
A significant part of the Oregon-Washington boundary is defined by the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Waterfalls, hiking paths, and breathtaking mountain vistas abound in this region. "Waterfall-hopping" around the region is one of the finest ways to see this worldwide destination and renowned sight.
The Historic Columbia River Highway and Interstate 84 link many waterfall hikes on the Oregon side of the valley. Other recreational opportunities along the road include elevated hiking paths, windsurfing and kiteboarding spots, and towns that enjoy it all. Hood River is a great place to start since there are so many things to do there.
Multnomah Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, as well as one of the state's most famous natural attractions. This magnificent waterfall cascades for almost 600 feet, leaving a lasting impact on the land below and everyone who comes.
The accessible Benson Bridge, which is separated by two drops, enables visitors to enjoy Multnomah Falls from both above and below. The Multnomah Lodge, which was built in 1925 and serves as a monument to the area's long history of drawing tourists, is one of the on-site facilities.
It takes approximately thirty minutes to travel from Portland to Multnomah Falls. The majority of tourists use public transit or a guided trip from Portland. The path may also be ridden on a bicycle. Check the Forest Service webpage for current conditions in the region before you go.
2. Silver Falls State Park, South Falls
Silver Falls State Park, located in the Willamette Valley, is a short drive from Salem and has a double-digit number of waterfalls.
South Falls is the most well-known waterfall, plunging more than 175 feet into a black basin. The tour of the falls takes you beneath the cascading water, giving you a unique viewpoint.
South Falls is surrounded by a large day-use area, and the hypnotic flow of water is only the beginning of an epic display of magnificent waterfalls. Starting at South Falls, the appropriately titled Trail of Ten Falls is a 7.2-mile National Scenic Trail that passes by almost all of Silver Falls State Park's major waterfalls.
The park's campsite is one of the finest locations to stay in Oregon, due in large part to its waterfall access.
3. Willamette National Forest's Salt Creek Falls
Salt Creek Falls is one of the state's biggest single-drop waterfalls, plunging more than 280 feet into a magnificent waterfall basin. Almost anybody may enjoy this amazing feat of gravity, owing to the universally accessible boardwalk and observation platform located 50 feet from the parking lot.
The falls are a 60-mile trip east of Eugene in the Willamette National Forest. The journey is entirely on the paved Willamette Highway, which makes the waterfall even more accessible.
An informative path and a steeper offshoot trail that goes to the foot of the falls are two more ways to experience this "wow"-inducing cascade. In the winter, well-prepared adventurers may park less than a half-mile away at the Salt Creek Sno-Park and walk the short distance to view the spectacular sight surrounded by snow.
4. Tumalo Falls in Bend's Deschutes National Forest
Tumalo Falls and the accompanying day-use park are a classic in Bend and are located directly in the city's bountiful backyard known as the Deschutes National Forest.
A magnificent vista of the distant Tumalo Falls is simple to observe after traveling a dirt road and nearly immediately after leaving your car at the parking area.
The Tumalo Creek Trail, which takes visitors through the tiny canyon and up to the top of the falls for a different view, is suggested from here. Tumalo Falls is popular all year, but the best time to escape the crowds is during the week and early in the morning.
5. Umpqua National Forest's Watson Falls
Watson Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in southwest Oregon, located in the Umpqua National Forest, less than thirty miles north of Crater Lake National Park. The falls drop almost 300 feet, and the surrounding waterscapes are lively and full of tributaries, making it a favorite location for long-exposure photography.
The falls may be reached in less than a half-mile from the parking lot. The trailhead and parking lot also include covered picnic tables and toilets, making it a wonderful location to bring a picnic lunch. The adjacent Toketee Falls is an equally awe-inspiring site to visit as an easy add-on excursion to the day.
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