Amazing Waterfalls in Oregon, United States

August 3, 2021

Hey, are you looking for waterfalls in Oregon?? You are on the correct article; here’s the best list with all the travel information.

Oregon is a small state in the Pacific Northwest region, United States. It offers you diverse natural attractions like pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls, attractive rivers, dense forests, mountains, volcanoes, canyons, and high deserts.

Especially, Oregon is a paradise for waterfall lovers as it boasts some of the most picturesque falls in the United States.

Travelers can experience loads of outdoor activities across these stunning waterfalls, like hiking, fishing, biking, and swimming.

Some of the most highlighted waterfalls are Multnomah Falls within the Columbia River Gorge, Tamanawas Falls in the Mount Hood National Forest, Wahkeena Falls in Columbia Highway, and Horsetail Falls.

Let’s discover all the amazing waterfalls in Oregon. Just check the following list.

Waterfalls in Oregon

1. Waterfalls in Oregon: Wahkeena Falls, Columbia River Highway

Wahkeena Falls is a 242-foot waterfall located on the Columbia River Highway with a more subtle cascading flow. As it does not directly plunge to the ground, you can see two stunning layers.

The meaning of Wahkeena Falls in the Yakama language is ‘’most beautiful”. And it totally deserves it.

Since Wahkeena Falls is located near the famous Multnomah Falls, you can cover both from the same tour.

There are several vantage points to catch spectacular views of Wahkeena Falls along its trail. So, you can easily take lovely photographs.

Just plan for a fun picnic with your family in the picnic area located just north of the highway.

Address: Wahkeena Trail #420, Corbett, OR 97019, United States Phone: +1 541-308-1700

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2. Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Being the most famous waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls attracts over 2 million waterfall lovers annually.

It is also located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. So, obviously, it is a scenic waterfall that offers you easy access (a few distances from the Historic Columbia River Highway, 30 minutes away from Portland).

Surrounded by cliffs and dense forest, Multnomah Falls offers you a chance to walk into a pre-historic world.

Multnomah Falls has two layers, and the Benson Bridge is there in the middle. The upper layer is 540 feet, and the lower layer is 120 feet. (620 feet in total)

So, visitors can easily get breathtaking views and photographs from three viewpoints (from the bottom, the bridge, and the top of the waterfall). However, the base offers the best views.

What is the source of this wonderful waterfall? Well, there’s is an underground spring which sources water. Therefore, the water flow varies with the season. Usually, winter and spring are the strongest.

To reach the falls, you have to hike for one mile along a well-maintained trail.

3. Waterfalls in Oregon: Horsetail Falls, Multnomah County

Located along the Columbia River Gorge, Horsetail Falls is the most easily accessible waterfall on the list. Just part your car off the road and view the falls.

But yet it is not so popular among travelers. Therefore, you can have a relaxing time while viewing spectacular views of the waterfall and surroundings.

How to reach Horsetail Falls? Just drive for 40 minutes from Portland to get there.

So, do not forget to stop by Horsetail Falls and take some memorable photos on your way to Multnomah Falls.

Waterfalls in Oregon

4. Waterfalls in Oregon: South Falls, Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park is a 9,000 acres lush state park in Oregon filled with several spectacular waterfalls.

The scenic South Falls is the easiest reaching waterfall in this state park.

South Falls is the starting waterfall of the Trail of Ten Falls that stretches for 7.2-miles through Silver Falls State Park. If you continue along this National Scenic Trail, you can discover all the other Silver Falls State Park waterfalls.

Waterfalls in Oregon South Falls, Silver Falls State Park — South Falls, Silver Falls State Park

Surrounded by Mount Hood National Forest and the Middle Santiam Wilderness, South Falls is precisely located in the foothills of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains. So, it offers you an excellent opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and the great outdoors.

It is a 180 high waterfall dropping into a dark pool as a single column over a ledge. And the unique feature is you can get behind the waterfall since its rock has been eroded.

For getting all of these experiences, you have to drive only half an hour from Salem and walk only 10 minutes to the falls. So, obviously, South Falls is a great day trip idea for families.

On the other hand, as Silver Falls State Park features one of the best campgrounds in Oregon, you can plan for a fun camp with your family too.

Waterfalls in Oregon

5. Punch Bowl Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

When Eagle Creek drains into the Columbia River with a 35 feet height and a 10 feet width, it creates the stunning Punch Bowl Falls.

Being another waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon, Punch Bowl Falls offers an adventurous hiking experience for your family and the pet.

Since the Eagle Creek Trail runs through lush forests and cliffs, you can get scenic views of nature throughout the trail.

Punch Bowl Falls is a powerful waterfall that flows into a massive bowl below. That’s how its name was created. And this bowl is an excellent swimming whole throughout the summer.

Therefore, summer weekends are usually filled with locals and tourists. So, just avoid weekends.

6. Waterfalls in Oregon: North Falls, Silver Falls State Park

North Falls is an attractive waterfall series located in the Silver Falls State Park at the east end of Salem, Oregon. This is also found in the scenic area on the west foothills where Mount Hood National Forest meets with the Middle Santiam Wilderness.

When you reach the Trail of Ten Falls parking lot, North Falls is just four miles away. This hike is so exciting to try with your family.

In the end, you may find three waterfalls under the name of North Falls. They are Lower North Falls, Middle North Falls, North Falls, and Upper North Falls. All of them are scenic and located close by along the Trail of Ten Falls. So, you can hear them roaring from a long distance.

Especially, North Falls is a dramatic one as you can walk behind it. Just sit there and view its beauty while having some snacks.

Behind North Falls, Silver Falls State Park

Although it is a beautiful walk, you don’t like to walk for four miles, yet want to visit North Falls, just park your cat at the Upper North Falls car park and walk only 0.3 miles. It is a kid-friendly option.

Waterfalls in Oregon

7. Salt Creek Falls, Willamette National Forest

Salt Creek Falls is a stunning cascade that flows for over 280 feet into a waterfall basin.

Located in Willamette National Forest, Salt Creek Falls is considered one of Oregon’s largest single-drop waterfalls. So, don’t miss it.

When you are coming from Eugene, it is just a 60 miles drive to the east.

Since there’s an easily accessible boardwalk and viewing platform, anyone can enjoy this remarkable natural wonder. (just 50 feet from the parking area)

If you like to explore more, you can try its steeper spur trail and an interpretive trail that leads to the waterfall basin.

And in the winter, Salt Creek Falls offers you different views and experiences. The nearby Salt Creek Sno-Park offers safe parking space too. Therefore, properly equipped explorers visit the falls and enjoy various adventures in the winter.

Waterfalls in Oregon

8. Metlako Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area creates this marvelous waterfall.

Being the furthest downstream of the major waterfalls on Eagle Creek, Metlako Falls is the first one that you will spot on the Eagle Creek Trail.

It also nicely flows for over 100 feet into a punchbowl, just like Punch Bowl Falls. So, it attracts so many kayakers and swimmers.

The trail to Metlako Falls is four miles long and opens all year-round. But the water flow shows its best through winter and spring.

Since it is a fairly easy trial, the whole family can try. Just plan for a family day out to Metlako Falls.

Address: Metlako Falls, Oregon 97014, United States

Waterfalls in Oregon

9. Waterfalls in Oregon: Tumalo Falls, Deschutes National Forest, Bend

Located on Tumalo Creek, in the Cascade Range west of Bend, Tumalo Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Oregon.

Cascading for over 97 feet, Tumalo Falls is huge. So, you can hear its noise even from a distance. Also, as Deschutes National Forest surrounds it, it offers scenic views everywhere.

As it offers easy access, thousands of waterfall lovers visit it. The first viewpoint is just one minute away, and the second one is just 5-10 minutes away from the parking lot.

But, many visitors love its dramatic view from above (Look at the picture above). It needs a 10 minutes short walk (Tumalo Creek Trail) to reach the top. Then, you will find a couple of spots that offer the best views.

Tumalo Falls begins to freeze during the falls offering more wilder views.

When you are coming from Bend, it is just a 30 minutes drive. The final stretch has a dirt road with potholes. If you visit in the winter, you may have to walk an extra 2.5 miles to reach Tumalo Falls.

Try to visit in mid-weeks or in early mornings to avoid the crowd.

Address: Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, United States

10. Latourell Falls, Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway

The first waterfall you will see on the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway is Latourell Falls.

This impressive waterfall flows over a basalt wall for over 224 feet. Then, its water runs to the Columbia River.

Actually, Latourell Falls has two sections, the lower one and the upper one. The lower one is just 5 minutes away. As the trial is easy and scenic, it attracts many photographers and families worldwide. Honestly, the lower one is more beautiful than the upper one.

If you want to explore more, just hike for one mile to reach the upper falls. Although it is not so dramatic as the lower one, it has a unique feature. There’s a path to get closer to the bottom of it. Also, the surrounding is quiet and secluded.

So, do not just limit to the lower falls. However, Spring is the best time to visit as the flow reduces considerably in other seasons.

If you are coming from Portland, Latourell Falls is just 35 minutes away. On the other hand, Horsetail, Multnomah, and Latourell Falls are very close to each other. So, plan a family day trip to cover all three.

Address: Latourell Falls, Oregon 97019, United States

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11. Waterfalls in Oregon: Proxy Falls, Willamette National Forest

Upper and Lower Proxy Falls are paradises for hikers. Both are only accessible via a hiking trail. It is an easy and comfortable one, even in wet weather. So, anyone can try that.

Waterfalls in Oregon Lower Proxy Falls — Lower Proxy Falls

Since this short (1.6 miles), beautiful trial runs through the lush Willamette National Forest, you can get many scenic views.

Especially, Lower Proxy Falls is one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Oregon. Surrounded by a quiet forest, this waterfall is located just one mile away from the trailhead. It flows for 226 ft into a pool below. Be careful when you get down to the falls, as the path is steep and rough.

Waterfalls in Oregon Upper Proxy Falls — Upper Proxy Falls

On the other hand, when you continue for another 0.5 miles from Lower Proxy Falls, you will meet the tranquil Upper Proxy Falls. Although it is not as big as Lower Proxy, it offers lovely photo spots. If you want to get closer to the falls, you have to do a little scrambling.

Are you coming from Bend? Then, Proxy Falls are just 1 hour and 30 minutes away. Do not forget to check road conditions before you travel, especially in the winter.

Address: Proxy Falls, Oregon 97413, United States

Waterfalls in Oregon

12. Watson Falls, Umpqua National Forest

When Watson Creek falls for 272-foot, it creates a scenic waterfall called Watson Falls. It flows into a base covered with moss.

Being one of the largest waterfalls in southwest Oregon, Watson Falls is located in the Umpqua National Forest. So, obviously, it contains lush and scenic surroundings.

Watson Falls is just less than a mile away from the parking lot, and its trial is scenic too. Also, there’re restrooms, shaded picnic tables, and all the other facilities as well. That means it is perfect for families who are looking for a climb.

If you are more into capturing beautiful views and photographs, there are several vantage points and bridges for that.

The nearby North Umpqua River and its trail offer hiking, fishing, biking, whitewater rafting, and camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. But, that trail is almost 80 miles long. So, you have to try it the next day.

Address: Watson Falls, Oregon 97447, United States

Waterfalls in Oregon

13. Waterfalls in Oregon: Abiqua Falls, Scott Mills

Reaching Abiqua Falls is not so easy as other waterfalls on the list. So, it is not suitable for a family day out.

Abiqua Falls is for hikers. Finally, you will be rewarded with a spectacular waterfall. So, it is totally worth trying. Since it is a little-known waterfall, there’s no much crowd.

The waterfall flows for 102 feet in an amphitheater-like columnar basalt colored with red lichens and green mosses. And it falls into a large splash pool at the bottom.

The best viewing place of Abiqua Falls is from rocks that jut into the pool.

Address: Abiqua Falls, Oregon 97375, United States

Waterfalls in Oregon

14. Sahalie & Koosah Falls, Willamette National Forest

Both Sahalie and Koosah Falls are parts of the scenic McKenzie River. Located in Willamette National Forest, both of them offer you easy access and breathtaking views.

The most popular one is Koosah Falls.

But, the largest one is Sahalie Falls. And it is the first waterfall that you spot along the McKenzie River. After screening in the Disney movie “Homeward Bound,” Sahalie Falls exposed more to the world.

Waterfalls in Oregon, Sahalie Falls — Sahalie Falls

However, both falls have separate parking lots and viewing platforms. Also, the two falls connect each other using a 2.6-mile hiking loop.

How to get to Sahalie and Koosah Falls?

If you are coming from Bend, it is just a 60-mile drive, or if you are coming from Eugene, it is just a 70-mile drive.

Come along with your family to experience these two beauties.

Waterfalls in Oregon

15. White River Falls, White River Falls State Park

White River Falls is the major attraction in the White River Falls State Park. When the wild and scenic White River flows for 90 feet from a basalt shelf into an icy cold pool, it creates this stunning waterfall.

As a dry and remote landscape surrounds this cool White River Fall, it offers you unique views. Also, it is a popular cool-down spot for travelers during the hot summer months.

The whole waterfall is clearly visible to the viewing platform located just off the parking lot.

When you take a small hike, you can get closer to the falls. It is just a half-mile round-trip hike. Also, its additional side trail will lead you down to the pool to soak your feet.

If you continue the hike, you can see a century-old hydroelectric plant operated until the Dalles Dam was built in 1960.

White River Falls State Park opens in mid-March until the end of the fall. And it is closed during winter.

Address: White River Rd, Maupin, OR 97037, United States Phone: +1 800-551-6949

16. Tamanawas Falls, Hood National Forest

A wild trail of 1.5 miles that stretches along Cold Spring Creek will lead you to the spectacular Tamanawas Falls.

Surrounded by the lush, forested environment of Mount Hood, Tamanawas Falls plunges for 150-foot from a lava cliff above.

Waterfall lovers visit Tamanawas Falls, especially at the peak of summer, to enjoy its never-ending mist. So, there are some viewpoints and sitting spots for you.

Although Tamanawas Falls is a popular waterfall in Oregon, many visitors miss it due to the 1.5 miles hike.

But, once you see this impressive waterfall, you will realize that it is totally worth the hike.

Address: Tamanawas Falls, Mount Hood, Oregon 97041, United States

Waterfalls in Oregon

17. Waterfalls in Oregon: Tokatee Falls, Douglas County

Are you in Douglas Country now? Then, do not miss Toketee Falls. “Toketee” means “pretty” or “graceful” in Chinook Jargon. And, of course, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon.

Watson Falls in the Umpqua National Forest is also just 3 miles away from Toketee Falls. So, you can cover both from the same tour.

This easy Toketee Falls Trail of the 0.8-mile round trip is suitable for the whole family. Of course, there are some steep places on this trial. But, those places contain benches to take some rest.

There are two sections in Toketee Falls, and it falls for over 100 feet. Both sections have excellent pools. Those pools are popular among travelers in the hot summer.

If you are touring in Crater Lake National Park in the summer, Toketee Falls is just 30 minutes away. Also, you can add Umpqua Hot Springs to the same tour. Discuss with your family and try it this summer.

Address: Idleyld Park, OR 97447, United States

18. Bridal Veil Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Another beautiful waterfall in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Bridal Veil Falls is located on Bridal Veil Creek, and it is close to Multnomah and Latourell Falls on the Historic Columbia River Highway too. So, you can cover all from the same tour.

Bridal Veil Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Bridal Veil Falls is a family-friendly natural destination that anyone can hike. Starting from the parking area, two trails lead you to two different places.

The Upper Trail will take you for panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge, while the Lower Trail takes you to the double cascading Bridal Veil Falls. As both trails are less than 2 miles, it is totally worth grabbing the opportunity.

There’s a viewing platform and a giant rock to get the best views of the falls. However, the most popular photo spot is the giant rock.

Address: E Crown Point Hwy, Bridal Veil, OR 97010, United States Phone: +1 503-695-2261

Waterfalls in Oregon

19. Waterfalls in Oregon: Majestic Falls, McDowell Creek Falls Park

There are four waterfalls in McDowell Creek Falls Park. Majestic Falls is the largest one out of all. Although the water amount reduces during the summer, these waterfalls are accessible any time of the year.

But, falls is the best time to visit since the colors of the maple trees create a beautiful surrounding.

Majestic Falls, McDowell Creek Falls Park

Majestic Falls is a 39-foot fall that flows through a canyon. Since there’s an observation deck, you can capture stunning photos of the falls easily.

All four waterfalls are located along the same trail. So, you can easily cover them all.

Address: McDowell Creek, Oregon, Lebanon, OR 97355, United States

Waterfalls in Oregon

20. Waterfalls in Oregon: Whitehorse Falls

Looking for camping?? Choose Whitehorse Falls Campground, located 4 miles east of Toketee Lake on Oregon Route 138.

When you camp there, you get the chance to visit the stunning 4-foot waterfall on the Clearwater River, named Whitehorse Falls.

Waterfalls in Oregon Whitehorse Falls — Whitehorse Falls

Whitehorse Falls is a quiet, easily accessible waterfall suitable for families (only one minute walk from the car park). Also, it offers you a picturesque view surrounded by crossing logs in front of the powerful cascade.

Therefore, Whitehorse Falls attracts a lot of photographers from everywhere.

When you are coming from Toketee, Whitehorse Falls is just 10 minutes away. So, you can add Toketee, Whitehorse, and Umpqua Springs to the same tour.