Oregon has easily become one of my favorite repeat destinations- it’s ample in microbreweries, unspoiled state parks, foodie restaurants, hiking trails, scenic landscapes, friendly locals, charming beach towns, and waterfalls. Stating that Oregon is abundant in waterfalls is an understatement; after three visits to the state, the amount of waterfalls still baffles me. There are over 230 falls that exist- crazy, right? Consequently, choosing which waterfalls to visit during your next trip may be a difficult task. To help you narrow down your choices, here are a few of my favorites:
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s most visited waterfall and with good reason- it boasts a 620-foot, two-tiered waterfall (the tallest in the state). While this popular attraction does amass large crowds of tourists, it's still undoubtedly worth a visit. Getting to the bottom of the falls only requires a short walk from the parking lot, making it accessible to everyone. Visitors can also hike to Benson Bridge through a few easy switchbacks, or take a more strenuous trail to the top of the falls.
Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds- spring and summer attracts the most visitors.
Wahclella Falls
Wahclella Falls is a relatively easy, 2.4 mile round-trip hike with an incredible payoff. This scenic trail takes hikers along Tanner Creek, and is ample in fern and moss-covered trees. At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a roaring, 80-foot waterfall plunging into a dark pool of water.
Tip: Bring cash as there’s a $5 parking fee.
Toketee Falls
Located 4 hours from Portland and 2 hours from Bend, Toketee Falls is perfect for travelers seeking a day trip. The trail itself is an easy, 0.8 mile round-trip hike that ends in a viewing platform for the falls. Toketee Falls is famous for its basalt columns which serve as a backdrop for the waterfall.
Tip: Visit Umpqua Hot Springs after your hike- it’s one of the most popular hot springs in the state.
Horsetail Falls
There is a plethora of waterfalls to visit along the Columbia River Gorge- one of my personal favorites is Horsetail Falls. This waterfall does not require a hike- you can reach the bottom of the falls by taking a short walk from the parking lot. The falls itself is long and narrow, and strongly resembles a horse’s tail (hence its name).
Tip: If the weather permits, pack some flip flops so you can get up close to the waterfall in the ankle-deep water.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is an easy, 0.6 mile round-trip hike that is completely doable for people of all ages. After a short stroll along a path of greenery, visitors will reach a wooden deck lookout where they can view the falls. Similar to Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls is a two-tiered waterfall- however, it stands at 120 feet.
Tip: Climb the giant rock at the bottom of the waterfall for a unique photo op.
Other notable falls to visit:
Trail of Ten Falls
Silver Falls State Park offers hikers the opportunity to view ten waterfalls on a single, 8.7-mile trail. The Trail of Ten Falls provides incredible nature scenery, and you can even walk behind a few of the waterfalls. Two must-visit falls on this trail are South Falls and Upper North Falls.
Wahkeena Falls
While it’s not a huge waterfall like its neighbors along the Columbia River Gorge, Wahkeena Falls is still worth a visit as you can stand within inches of the falls. After an uphill, 0.2-mile walk, visitors can cool off from the waterfall’s spraying mist.
For more places to check out in Oregon, read this blog post.