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The Pacific Northwest is famous for its waterfalls and Oregon in particular has some beautiful waterfalls that you won’t want to miss. There are so many different options to choose from so to help narrow it down, here are the best waterfall hikes in Oregon.

If you are planning to visit the Columbia River Gorge between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a vehicle permit is now required. Learn more by checking out this link.

Note: If your home base for exploring waterfalls is in Portland, check out this post about the best waterfall hikes near Portland to help narrow down your list.

What to wear when hiking in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest has so many waterfalls because it can be pretty wet – so not surprisingly you may need different gear than when you hike in other areas of the country. In addition to the ten essentials, make sure to pack a rain jacket, wear waterproof shoes, gloves, and bring extra layers – I prefer wool baselayers from WoolX Wool.

Best Waterfalls in Oregon

These waterfalls are not ranked in any particular order and they are all pretty amazing in their own way. Although this should go without saying, remember to practice leave no trace anytime you are visiting these beautiful waterfalls or just exploring nature in general.

Multnomah Falls

Number of Miles: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 810 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No (reservation system in summer/fall of 2021, unsure for 2022)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

Going to get this one out of the way because it is iconic but not because it is necessarily the best waterfall in Oregon. In fact, this is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. The bridge makes the waterfall incredibly picturesque. This is a great one to add in for a quick pitstop just to visit the base (for the classic photo op you see all over the internet) if you are already in the area seeing other beautiful waterfalls such as Wahclella (below), Wahkeena, Bridal Veil, and Latourell Falls.

South Falls, Silver Falls State Park

Number of Miles: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 800 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Around $5 to $10 per vehicle
Dogs Allowed: Yes but must be on a leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring and fall

You will not believe what’s waiting for you at Silver Falls State Park. It’s the incredible South Falls, a majestic 175-foot waterfall that is truly stunning to behold.

To get there you just have to follow the awesome Trail of Ten Falls, a 7.2-mile hike that takes you past loads of other waterfalls too.

In the fall, this place transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland with local trees showing off their stunning autumn colors.

Now, to make the most of your trip, be sure you wear some sturdy hiking boots since you’ll be walking a lot. And since the weather can be a bit unpredictable, dress in layers, and be prepared for anything.

Also, don’t forget your trusty camera to capture all those breathtaking sights of one of the best waterfalls in Oregon.

So, head on over to the South Falls Day-Use Area, where you’ll find parking, restrooms, and easy access to the trail.

Wahclella Falls

Number of Miles: 1.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 223 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): $5, Covered under the Northwest Forest Pass/America The Beautiful Annual Pass
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

This is another amazing Columbia River Gorge waterfall hike you should check out. It is an impressive waterfall with an excellent view-to-effort ratio. There are some areas on the trail with steep drop-offs to one side so extra caution would be necessary if hiking with children.

Tumalo Falls

Number of Miles: 7.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Between $5 and $10 per vehicle
Dogs Allowed: Yes but must be on a leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: Late spring, early summer, and fall

Tumalo Falls is a true gem tucked away in Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest.

To reach this place you have to hop on Skyliners Road from Bend, drive about 10 miles, and then follow the signs to the Tumalo Falls Trailhead. You’ll then find parking and access to the trail upon arrival.

Now, when autumn comes around, Tumalo Falls puts on a spectacular show with trees flaunting their dazzling autumn colors, making it one of the best waterfalls in Oregon.

It’s a sight you don’t wanna miss, especially if you’re a photographer or an outdoor enthusiast.

Before you hit the trail, make sure to wear some hiking boots because the trail might get rocky. And the weather is quite unpredictable, so layer up to stay comfy.

Marion & Gatch Waterfalls

Number of miles: 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 921 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 3
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): Day Hike and Overnight Permits required June 15-October 15, grab them here
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

Marion and Gatch waterfalls are a little out of the way but very impressive and totally worth the hike. The majority of the hike is pretty easy with only the last little bit navigating close to the falls and then down to the falls being more difficult giving this a rating of moderate. For reference Marion Falls is the one that you see first on the trail and looks like the upper falls in this photo. Gatch Falls is the waterfall that you see second and is the lower falls in this photo.

Watson Falls

Number of Miles: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): $5
Dogs Allowed: Yes and maybe off-leash in some areas
Best Time of Year to Hike: April through November

Do you know what’s truly spectacular? Watson Falls in the Umpqua National Forest.

See, this jaw-dropping, 272-foot-tall waterfall cascades down rugged cliffs, surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers.

So, hit the road and take Highway 138 to get there. Then, turn onto Road 37, and drive approximately 3 miles to reach Watson Falls.

To truly enjoy one of the best waterfalls in Orgon you have to grab your essential gear and get ready for a 0.6-mile hike to the falls. It might get a bit challenging but this adventure is worth every step.

Just be sure to head out early to beat the crowds and soak in the tranquility of this amazing spot.

Ramona Falls

Number of Miles: 7.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,066 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 3-4 (4 in the spring and fall)
Permit Required: Yes, trail register
Fees (if applicable): $5, covered under the Northwest Forest Pass/America The Beautiful Annual Pass
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring – Fall (road closes in the winter and this adds an additional 2.5 miles each way)

Ramona Falls is the first waterfall hike I completed when I moved to Portland and I was lucky enough to have it all to myself. The road to get there has a few potholes but we made it in our van. In the winter the road closes and adds on extra miles. Additionally, the river crossing can be very intense. It’s best to do early in the day as more water melts as the day goes on making the river flow faster.

Side Note: If you’re visiting Oregon in summer on a road trip or vanlife trip, the Mt Hood area is higher elevation and cooler in the summer so it’s a perfect area to explore and avoid sweating to death in your parked vehicle (speaking from experience). Here’s our vanlife packing list if that’s you.

Punch Bowl Falls

Number of Miles: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 200 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): $5
Dogs Allowed: Yes but they must be kept on a leash
Best Time of Year to Hike: Spring, summer, and early fall

Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Punch Bowl Falls looks like something straight out of a fairytale – especially in the fall when foliage features vibrant hues of gold and red.

So, enjoy a cascading waterfall that tumbles into a heavenly bowl-shaped pool. creating a mesmerizing and enchanting natural wonder that will leave you spellbound.

Additionally, you’ll need to drive along I-84 (exit 41) to access Eagle Creek Trailhead. But, once there, you’ll marvel at the stunning beauty of this amazing area as you marvel at one of the best waterfalls Oregon.

Abiqua Falls

Number of Miles: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 249 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 3 (not great for kids)
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

I know I mentioned not ranking this list but Abiqua Falls is definitely one of the best waterfalls in Oregon, if not the best. Getting to the waterfall requires quite a bit of effort though. First the road is intense and requires 4WD. Then the hike itself has ropes and can be pretty tricky. That being said, you are rewarded with a stunning waterfall for your efforts. This trail is on private property so be sure to pick up after yourself to make sure people can continue to enjoy this trail for years to come. There is no cell service and no signage so download your trail map prior to embarking on this trail.

Trail of Ten Falls

Number of Miles: 9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1404 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 3
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): $5, covered under the Oregon State Parks Pass
Dogs Allowed: No
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round (but the trail is shortened in the winter)

Not many trails offer the opportunity to see 10 different waterfalls and this trail does not disappoint. The Trail of Ten Falls is located in Silver Falls State Park which is one of the best Oregon state parks. I have done this trail three times personally and the fall was better than the summer with the leaves changing colors and the waterfalls flowing more strongly than they were in the summer. The spring had the best and most powerfall waterfalls of all. You can visit this park in the winter as well. The trail even includes waterfalls that you can walk behind! Get started early as this trail is no secret.

White River Falls

Number of Miles: 0.4-1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 170 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 1-2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round (but the main parking lot is closed in the winter)

This is a waterfall you can see from the parking lot but it is worth it to go down the trail a ways to get a different, and more complete, vantage point. The photo at the top of this page is of the view from the parking lot. The one just above this description is the view from the trail. Despite this being a state park, it does not ever seem to be too crowded according to reports as it is pretty out of the way. But this waterfall is massive and certainly one of the best waterfalls in Oregon so it is worth the trek.

Dry Creek Falls

Number of Miles: 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 886 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): $5, covered under the Northwest Forest Pass/America The Beautiful Annual Pass
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

This hike reminded me a lot of Abiqua Falls but without the ropes and without the sketchy road to get there. In fact, you park right in the heart of Cascade Locks just before crossing the Bridge of the Gods to access the trail. When I did this hike, I visited mid-week and never saw another person – it was quite glorious.

Tamanawas Falls

Number of Miles: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 580 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): $5, covered under the Northwest Forest Pass/America The Beautiful Annual Pass
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

This is a trail that I have done in both the summer and winter and I would recommend it in both seasons. Here are some winter hiking tips if you are planning on hiking it in the winter. This is another waterfall that you can walk behind but it can be a bit sketchy to get back there and I did not do this on my winter excursion.

Tunnel Falls

Number of Miles: 12+ miles
Elevation Gain: 1,778 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 4
Permit Required: Yes (self-issued)
Fees (if applicable): $5, covered under the Northwest Forest Pass/America The Beautiful Annual Pass
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

Tunnel Falls is probably my favorite waterfall within the Columbia River Gorge and definitely one of the best waterfalls in Oregon. It does take a little more effort to get to, however you do pass at least a dozen waterfalls along the way – at least on a rainy day. This is a popular trail but going on a rainy weekday really cut down on the number of people.

Steelhead Falls

Number of Miles: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 226 ft
Difficulty (1 is easiest – 5 is hardest): 2
Permit Required: No
Fees (if applicable): No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round

Steelhead Falls is a beautiful waterfall in central Oregon. This waterfall is not difficult to access making it a popular spot to hang out. If you are brave, some of the locals even cliff jump in the area (do this at your own risk). If you are in the area, check out some of the other things to do in Bend, Oregon.

Best Waterfalls in Oregon FAQs

Where is the Most Beautiful Waterfall in Oregon?

It is hard to pick the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon since this state is blessed with numerous waterfalls, each offering its own unique charm and scenic beauty

However, here are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon:

• Multnomah Falls
• Proxy Falls
• Silver Falls
• Abiqua Falls
• Ramona Falls
• Watson Falls
• South Falls (Silver Falls State Park)
• Toketee Falls
• Sahalie and Koosah Falls
• Latourell Falls

Which City in Oregon has the Best Waterfalls?

Eugene, Oregon is home to some of the best waterfalls in the state since both the Columbia River Gorge and Willamette National Forest are home to numerous waterfalls.

What is the Most Photogenic Waterfall in Oregon?

Some of the most photogenic waterfalls in Oregon are:

• Multnomah Falls
• Proxy Falls
• Abiqua Falls
• Toketee Falls
• Ramona Falls
• Watson Falls
• Sahalie Falls
• Koosah Falls
• Latourell Falls
• Silver Falls (including South Falls)

What is the Most Visited Waterfall in Oregon?

Multnomah Falls is the most visited waterfall in Oregon. In fact, people from all over the country flock to this iconic natural landmark in the Columbia River Gorge.

Therefore, it’s a true American gem and is well worth a visit

Best Waterfall Hikes in Oregon

Hopefully this list of the best waterfalls in Oregon can help you narrow down some pretty incredible choices when you are planning your trip to chase waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. Which one of these waterfalls is your favorite? Or is it one not on the list? Let me know in the comments.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Hiking in the Winter
• Best Columbia River Gorge Hikes
• Hiking the Enchantments in Washington State
• Best Waterfalls near Portland
• 10 Places to Visit in Oregon
• Best Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
• Best Columbia River Gorge Hikes
• Best Hikes near Portland Oregon
• Things to do in Portland on a Rainy Day

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