17 Stunning Waterfalls in Oregon You Have to See

This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Oregon has some of the best waterfalls in the country, from well-known spots to ones worth a quick detour. This guide covers 17 waterfalls in Oregon, with the key facts, trail details, and tips you need for visiting. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or a scenic road trip, this guide will help you see the waterfalls and know what to expect at each stop.

Location: Columbia River Gorge, near Portland

Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall at 620 feet and one of the most popular spots in the Gorge. The water drops in two stages, creating a dramatic view that’s visible right from the parking area.

A short paved trail leads to Benson Bridge, about 0.2 miles one way, giving you a close-up view of the falls from above the first drop. The walk is easy and perfect for a quick visit or photo stop.

There is a loop trail that continues past the bridge and climbs about 1.2 miles to the top of the falls. The trail is moderately steep in places, with some switchbacks, but once you reach the top, you will get a great view of the falls.

Parking here requires a reservation, so be sure to book ahead, especially on weekends or during the summer season.

Multnomah Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Near Corbett, along the Historic Columbia River Highway

Horsetail Falls is a 176-foot waterfall just east of Multnomah Falls. The water cascades over a wide cliff, creating a classic “horsetail” shape that’s easy to see from the parking area.

There is a short paved trail that leads from the parking lot to a viewpoint at the base of the falls. The walk is less than 0.1 miles and very easy.

A short connector trail leads to nearby Ponytail Falls and passes behind the waterfall. The trail to Ponytail Falls is about 0.5 miles round trip and is moderately steep.

Parking is limited and first-come, first-served. On weekends and during the busy spring and summer months, you may need to wait for an open spot.

Horsetail Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon

Ponytail Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Near Bridal Veil, along the Historic Columbia River Highway

Bridal Veil Falls is a two-tier waterfall with a total drop of about 120 feet. The waterfall flows year-round, with much stronger flow in the spring.

There is a paved trail that leads from the parking area to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. The walk is about 0.5 miles round trip and is easy.

The trail is mostly level and well-maintained. Benches are located along the path, and the viewing platform sits in front of the lower tier of the waterfall.

Parking is limited here and is first-come, first-served.

Bridal Veil Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Near Corbett, along the Historic Columbia River Highway

Latourell Falls is a tall, single-drop waterfall that plunges about 250 feet over a columnar basalt cliff. It’s one of the more dramatic waterfalls in the area because the water falls in one long drop rather than in tiers.

A short paved trail leads from the parking area to a viewpoint at the base of the falls. The walk is about 0.4 miles round trip and is easy.

There is a longer loop trail that includes Upper Latourell Falls. This loop is about 2.4 miles and is moderately steep in sections.

Parking is available in a small lot near the trailhead and is first-come, first-served.

Latourell Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Near Troutdale, along the Historic Columbia River Highway

Wahkeena Falls is a 242-foot waterfall that cascades in multiple tiers down a mossy cliff. The falls are visible from the parking area and are known for their wide, fan-like appearance.

There is a paved trail that leads from the parking lot to the base of the falls. The walk is about 0.2 miles one way.

For those who want a longer hike, the trail continues uphill as part of the Wahkeena Loop, which connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. The extended trail is moderately steep in sections. You will be able to reach viewpoints of the upper tiers along this loop.

Parking is available at the trailhead, but the lot is small and fills quickly.

Wahkeena Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Near Corbett, at the John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor

Elowah Falls is a tall waterfall that drops about 289 feet over a basalt cliff. It’s set back in the forest and feels more secluded.

There is a dirt trail that leads from the trailhead to the base of the falls. The hike is about 1.4 miles round trip and is considered easy to moderate.

Parking is available at the John B. Yeon trailhead.

Elowah Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Near Cascade Locks

Wahclella Falls is a waterfall located at the end of a narrow canyon, where the water drops into a rocky basin. It’s one of the more popular hikes in the area because the falls are large and the setting is dramatic.

There is a trail that leads from the parking area to the base of the falls. The hike is about 2 miles round-trip and is considered easy to moderate. The trail follows Tanner Creek and includes a few small bridges and rocky sections.

Parking is available at the Wahclella Falls trailhead and is first-come, first-served.

Wahclella Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon

Location: Eagle Creek Trail, near Cascade Locks

Punch Bowl Falls is one of the most well-known waterfalls on the Eagle Creek Trail. The waterfall drops into a deep, round pool, creating the “punch bowl” shape it’s named for. It’s a popular destination and one of the main highlights of the hike.

The hike to Punch Bowl Falls follows the Eagle Creek Trail. It’s about 4 miles round trip and is considered moderate. The trail is narrow in places and includes sections with drop-offs,

There is a viewpoint of the falls from the trail, but access to the base and the pool is restricted.

Parking is available at the Eagle Creek Trailhead and requires a valid Northwest Forest Pass.

Punch Bowl Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Near Glide, in Umpqua National Forest

Toketee Falls is a narrow waterfall that drops about 120 feet between tall columnar basalt cliffs. It’s one of the most recognizable waterfalls in Oregon because of the straight rock walls surrounding the falls.

There is a paved trail that leads from the parking area to a viewing platform. The walk is about 0.4 miles round trip and is easy. The viewpoint looks straight across at the waterfall.

Parking is available at the Toketee Falls trailhead and requires a valid Northwest Forest Pass.

Toketee Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Silver Falls State Park, near Silverton

South Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Oregon, with a drop of 177 feet. It’s the highlight of Silver Falls State Park and is known for the ability to walk behind the waterfall.

There is a trail that leads from the parking area to the falls. It is about 0.7 miles round-trip, and it is easy. The trail passes behind the waterfall, allowing you to walk under the overhang for a close-up view.

South Falls is part of the Trail of Ten Falls, a longer loop that connects several waterfalls in the park. The full loop is about 7.4 miles and is considered moderate.

Parking is available at Silver Falls State Park and requires a day-use fee. The park has large parking areas, so finding a spot should not be a problem.

South Falls (Silver Falls State Park) / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Near McKenzie Pass, in the Three Sisters Wilderness

Proxy Falls is a tall waterfall that drops in two main tiers, with the upper falls plunging about 226 feet. It’s one of the most photographed waterfalls in Oregon due to its height and setting.

There is a dirt trail that leads from the parking area to the lower falls. The hike is about 1.6 miles round trip and is considered moderate.

Parking is available at the Proxy Falls trailhead along the McKenzie Highway. The road is seasonal and typically closed in winter due to snow, so access is usually limited to late spring through fall.

Proxy Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Near Mount Hood, along the East Fork Hood River

Tamanawas Falls is a wide waterfall that drops about 110 feet over a basalt cliff. It’s one of the more popular waterfalls on the east side of Mount Hood and flows strongest in late spring and early summer.

A dirt trail leads from the trailhead to the base of the falls. The hike is about 3.4 miles round trip and is considered moderate, with a gradual climb through forest and along Cold Spring Creek.

The trail ends at the base of the waterfall, where you can get close to the spray.

Parking is available at the Tamanawas Falls trailhead and requires a valid Northwest Forest Pass.

Tamanawas Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Willamette National Forest, near Oakridge

Salt Creek Falls is one of the most powerful and impressive waterfalls in Oregon, dropping about 286 feet into a deep canyon. It’s often considered one of the best waterfalls in the state, and the size and volume make it feel dramatic year-round.

A short paved trail from the parking area leads to an overlook with a sweeping view of the falls. There is also a longer trail that descends toward the base of the falls if you want a closer look. This hike is steeper and more challenging, but it offers a different perspective.

Parking is available at the viewpoint.

Salt Creek Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Near Toketee Falls, Umpqua National Forest

Watson Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Oregon, dropping about 293 feet in a long, narrow ribbon down a mossy cliff.

There is a short forest trail that leads from the parking area to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. The hike is about 0.3 miles round trip and mostly easy, with a few gentle inclines.

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, when snowmelt gives the falls their strongest flow. Later in the season, the waterfall becomes thinner but still beautiful.

Parking is available at a small lot near the trailhead.

Watson Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Location: Mount Hood National Forest

Ramona Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in Oregon, known for the way water fans out over a wide wall of lava rock rather than dropping in a single stream.

The hike to Ramona Falls is about 7 miles round trip and follows mostly gentle terrain through old-growth forest. Along the way, you’ll cross the Sandy River on a log bridge.

There is a permit required for parking in the Mount Hood National Forest, so be sure to display a valid Northwest Forest Pass or day-use permit.

Location: McKenzie River, Willamette National Forest

Sahalie Falls is one of the most striking waterfalls along the McKenzie River, where a wide curtain of water drops about 100 feet into a rocky pool below. The volume and color of the water make it especially impressive in spring and early summer.

A short, well-maintained trail leads from the parking area to the main viewpoint. The walk is about 0.2 miles and mostly flat.

The trail continues along the river and connects to Koosah Falls, allowing you to see both waterfalls in one visit. There are interpretive signs along the path with information about the area’s geology and history.

Parking is available at the Sahalie Falls day-use area.

Sahalie Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon 

Koosah Falls is a wide, powerful waterfall that drops about 64 feet along the McKenzie River, just downstream from Sahalie Falls. The river’s clear blue-green water and the surrounding forest make it a scenic stop.

There is a short trail that leads from the parking area to a viewpoint at the falls. The walk is about 0.2 miles round trip and mostly flat.

The trail continues along the McKenzie River and connects to Sahalie Falls, so you can see both waterfalls in one trip. There is no access to the base of Koosah Falls; the viewpoint provides the best perspective.

Parking is available at the day-use area.

Koosah Falls / Waterfalls in Oregon