The Best Waterfall Hikes Within 2 Hours of Portland

The Pacific Northwest is the land of waterfalls and Portland is lucky to be less than 2 hours from some of the most amazing waterfalls! Portland is just a short drive from the waterfall corridor, where many of these waterfalls are located.There are countless waterfalls not on this list, but located extremely close to them, so check out a map or AllTrails before heading out to see if there’s any you could add to your day.

Things to Know About Waterfall Hiking

• It is extremely dangerous to go under a waterfall. People love hiking to them in warm days to cool off in the pools, but swimming under the water could bring extreme injury from the force of the water hitting your body. Never walk or swim under a waterfall.

• When a waterfall has a fence or barrier and signs stating to stay behind them, stay behind them. They are there not only to keep you safe from falling but to protect the fragile environment on the other side.

• Practice Leave No Trace Principles. This means packing out all your trash when you leave. Carry a small garbage bag in your pack. Do not carve or mark on any of the surrounding rocks or trees. It is illegal.

• When hiking between Fall to Spring months, waterfalls will most likely have very wet trails. Wear appropriate footwear! This means preferably waterproof hiking boots or trail runners to keep your feet dry and shoes with good traction to help you on wet rocks and trails.

• Know the dangers of landslides on steep terrain and burn scars. Many of the trails below are through canyons or burn scars. During or after heavy rain the ground holds more water than normal and it is more likely it will give way under their pressure, causing landslides in these areas. It can also cause tree roots to lose their hold and fall over.

• Be courteous of other hikers. What does that mean? Follow proper trail etiquette when hiking. Do not hog the waterfalls. Others want to enjoy the view and snap photos without people sitting in them. Never sit directly in front of one, always sit to the side or farther back so others can also enjoy it. Take your photos and then move out of the way so others can have a turn. Being aware of others in the area is being a courteous hiker.

Waterfall Hikes Within 2 Hours of Portland

Mulnomah Falls

Without a doubt the most iconic waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls, is a must see if you have never been. It is a staggering 620 foot, two tier waterfalls just off the highway. It’s also extremely busy and has limited parking both off I-84 and the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway. Go on a weekday and plan to get there early or you may be waiting for a while to snag a parking spot.

This waterfall is so popular because it’s just a short paved walk to the viewing platform. If you’re up for hiking, you can hike to the Bensen Bridge, which traverses the creek or to the viewing platform at the top of the falls. The bridge is .04 miles round trip with 150ft elevation gain.

If you’re up for a longer adventure I would highly recommend hiking to the top of Multnomah Falls and continuing on the Larch Mountain Trail. There are multiple waterfalls along the creek for an out and back hike. If you can, I would highly recommend doing the Wahkeena Falls Loop trail which will loop you back to Multnomah Falls, but allows for a longer hike and more waterfalls. The entire trail to the Multnomah Upper Viewpoint is through a burn scar from the Eagle Creek fire, but once you go past the upper viewpoint the potential for landslides and down trees will increase. Be aware of your surroundings and know the dangers of landslides on or after heavy rain.

Wahchella Falls

This is hands down one of the best short waterfalls hikes you can do near Portland! It is located in The Columbia Gorge near Cascade Locks on the Oregon side. It is a 350 foot waterfall, but the last 65 feet are visible and the iconic two tier drop. Unfortunately this area was hit hard by the Eagle Creek fire and has a lot of landslide danger still. After .6 miles the trail splits. The upper trail has a recent slide and there was barely a trail at the time when I hiked through it. Going on a heavily rainy day or just after it rains could potentially be dangerous with unstable ground.

Once you hit the fork in the trail, you can either head down to the creek bed where a bridge will take you over or stay in the high ground, which pops you out right at the falls. You can do this section as a loop so you can see both trails or stick to one as an out and back.

The waterfall has a large amount of tree logs over the pool due to the fire. If you want to walk out in then be aware that logs near water sources can be extremely slippery, so go slowly and make sure you have good footing before attempting it. If you don’t feel comfortable and they feel slippery, remain on dry ground.

I love this hike because it starts off with a waterfall on the left of the trail. This is also a lush area despite the fire. The plants are growing back and the canyon walls are covered in ferns and moss, making for beautiful pops of greens.

Silver Falls State Park

Short Loop

Trail of Ten Falls/Long Loop

Silver Falls State Park is just outside of Salem, Oregon and is hands down the best trail system for waterfalls near Portland. The park has 10 large waterfalls, four of which you can walk behind! The most popular falls is the South Falls because it has a paved trail to the viewing platform and is located next to the visitor center. From the South Falls parking lot there are multiple hiking options. The two I would recommend are the Short Loop and the Long Loop, know as ”The Trail of Ten Falls.”

The short loop is great because it takes you past 7 of the 10 waterfalls. It’s great if you want to see a lot without hiking the longer 9 mile loop. You can also still see the other waterfalls by coming back and doing the North waterfall loop another time, or simply driving to the North Waterfall parking lot where it says short walk to the North and Upper North Falls without the added hike. You can do this hike clockwise or counter clockwise. The South Falls area is by far the most popular and crowded spot. Going on weekdays or during rainy weather tends to have the smallest crowds.

The Trail of Ten Falls, or the longer loop with allow you to see all 10 waterfalls. Instead of looping back to the South Falls at the Winter Falls junction, continue hiking straight. This longer loop takes you past Twin falls, another waterfall you can walk behind and on to the North and Upper North falls. The trail then wanders through the forest back in the canyon ridge to the South Falls parking lot.

Latourell Falls Loop

Latourell Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls near Portland. It is located in the Columbia River Gorge and just a short distance from Multnomah Falls. Latourel is a 224 foot waterfall that is visible from a viewing platform just above the parking lot or a short walk down to the base of the falls. The waterfall is surrounded by unique basalt wall, creating an amphitheater like feel, and is covered in bright light green lichen. When I’m in the area I love to stop at the lower falls for a quick peek, but if you have time the loop trail is a must.

You can do this as an out and back or a loop trail. From the parking lot you can either walk up to the viewing platform and continue on the trail, or hike down to the falls and across the bridge to continue down the trail. I usually go up by the viewing platform because I prefer to get the ascent out of the way quickly, and that route is immediately an uphill climb. This area has damage from the Eagle Creek fire so be aware of landslides during the rainy seasons.

The Upper Latourell falls is a 134 foot, two tier waterfall located in the creek canyon above Latourell Falls. It has a foot bridge at the base so you can cross the creek if you choose to do the loop. Once you hit the footbridge you can also turn back the way you came for an out and back trail.

Horesetail and Ponytail Falls

These two waterfalls are located in the Columbia Gorge on the Oregon side, just past Multnomah Falls. This trail is another great two-for-one hike near Portland and less than a mile. Horsetail Falls is on the left from the parking lot with a paved viewpoint and stairs down to the pool below. To the left of the viewing platform is the trail to Ponytail Falls above.

In order to reach Ponytail Falls you will need to walk through a burn scar from the Eagle Creek Fire. Be aware of falling trees and the danger of landslides during or after heavy rain. Ponytail Falls is great because it’s one of the waterfalls in Oregon you can walk behind! The trail goes behind the falls and feels like you’re in a cave behind the rushing water.

Wahkeena Falls

The Wahkeena Falls is a 242 foot tier waterfall located outside of Portland in the Columbia Gorge. From the parking lot there is a small viewing platform where you can see Wahkeena Falls and its cascading stream from below. It is a quick 0.2 miles to the Wahkeena Falls bridge above and a close look at the falls.

From the bridge you can continue on the trail up some steep switchbacks, but they are paved. At the top is Lemmons Viewpoint, overlooking the Gorge to the right and the trail that continues to Fairy Falls to the left. The trail continues on along the creek through a narrow canyon. Be aware of falling trees and landslides in the area during rainy seasons. You will cross two small footbridges and climbs second set of switchbacks before reaching Fairy Falls, a 20 foot waterfall. You can continue on to Multnomah Falls for a loop or turn around for an out and back. The loop’s information is shared under Multnomah Falls.

Ramona Falls

Ramona Falls is a 120 foot tall waterfall on the west side of Mt. Hood . It is located off the Timberline trail and .04 miles off the PCT, making it a popular spot for backpackers. This waterfall is a must see because it is tucked into the trees and is a wide, cascading waterfall. There are ropes and signs asking visitors to not climb up the right side of the falls for conservation purposes, so stay off that area. You can hike down to the creek to filter water or dip your feet on a warm summers day.

From the parking lot it’s a gradual uphill until you reach the Sandy River crossing. Once you reach the river the only way to cross is either through the river, which I highly DON’T recommend, or by crossing over one of the logs. There is a substantial log on the right when the trial pops out of the tree line. Going through the river can be extremely dangerous because the Sandy River is very cold glacier water, is has a strong current and it’s so muddy you won’t know how deep areas are or where to put your feet. If you’re not comfortable crossing one of the logs this may not be a good hike for you to try.

Once you safely cross the river you can do the rest of the hike as a loop, or an out and back. I prefer walking up along the river for views of Mt. Hood and then back through the forest. The trail gains slightly more elevation on the second half before leveling out slightly and dropping you down to the falls.

If you choose to do the loop there is a footbridge that crosses the stream. There is a fork in the trail immediately after, stick to the left. The trail meanders along a steam with towering rock walls on the other side. After 1.8 miles you will hit a second fork, the PCT. Turn left onto the PCT and it will take you back to the river crossing. If you do not want to do the longer loop trail, head back down the original trail along the river.

Tamanawas Falls

Tamanawas is another Mt. Hood staple waterfall! It is located in the east side of the mountain off highway 35. Tamanawas is a 100 foot hight waterfall that is accessible year round. There is a small parking lot just off the highway that fills quickly year-round. Weekends are always busy so go early or plan to wait for a spot to open.

The trail begins with a footbridge over the stream before heading north above highway 35 for half a mile. The trail will then turn left and follow the North Fork Cold Spring Creek to the falls. If you hike this trail in the winter there will most likely be snow and ice most of the way. You will want to wear microspikes to prevent you from slipping as some sections can be steep. There is a junction that takes hikers up to Elk Meadow. Stay to the left to remain on the Tamanawas Falls trail.

Once you reach the falls there are a lot of amazing spots to see its beauty. You can even hike up behind the falls, but be careful of the slippery rocks. If they are covered in snow it can be dangerous because postholing (when you leg falls through the snow) on rocks can result in injury. Be mindfull of where you sit or stand because others will be there to take photos and enjoy the views as well.

Falls Creek Falls

Easily one of the most amazing waterfalls near Portland, Falls Creek Falls is a 335 foot, three tier waterfall north of Stabler, Washington. It gets its name because the entire hike is along a creek full of waterfalls.

This area has little to no cell service so be sure to have a downloaded or paper map of the trail and the road to get to it before heading out. During the rainy months the trailhead may not be accessible due to heavy flooding in area. The forest service road in has many potholes, and although accessible if you go slow in a low clearance car, may not be during the rainy season. Check current road conditions and read AllTrails reviews to see if it’s accessible.

The trail starts off through a lush forest and in the fall you may spot a few larches overhead. After .3 miles you will cross a food bridge over the creek and continue down the left side of the creek until you reach the falls. The trail has a gradual, but consistent uphill climb and at some points take you are fairly high above the creek. If you have a fear of heights, be aware the trail is on the edge of the cliff and could make you feel a little uneasy at times.

The trail will pop you out at an overlook of the waterfall from a distance you can see all three tiers as you approach, but once you reach the end of the trial you can only see the two lower tiers. The viewing area is rather small so be prepared to share the space with other hikers. There is a steep trail down to a second viewing area. The tree roots you climb down can be slippery so be cautious.

Panther Creek Falls

Panther Creek Falls is a 100 foot waterfall that cascades over mossy rock. Panther Creek Falls is located close to Falls Creek Falls and a great Portland road trip add on . This area has little to no cell service to have a downloaded map or paper map to help you find the correct roads. There is no obvious park lot, just a pullout area off forest service road NF-65.

From the pull out area you can find the trail tucked to the south on the opposite side of the road. The trail itself is short and steep. You will quickly run into a fork in the trail. The trail to the right takes you down to the upper viewpoint overlooking the falls. You can backtrack and take the second trail to the lower viewpoint.

This area has a fence and plenty of signs asking visitors to not cross the fences. Respect the signs and do not cross the fences. They are there to keep you safe and protect the fragile environment. You may have seen someone post a photo on the other side of the fence, but that does not mean it’s okay or you should too.

Rodney Falls

The Trail to Rodney Falls is part of the Hamilton Mountain Trail, an 8.1 mile round trip hike with views of the Columbia Gorge below, but the entire hike is not necessary to see the falls. Rodney Falls is a cascading waterfall with a footbridge that crosses its stream. The upper falls drops 35 feet into The Pool of The Winds before dropping another 45 feet. Walking up to the Pool of the Winds is a must. You can feel the wind coming off the falls as you peak your head around the corner. Be careful, in the winter this area is extremely slick with ice over rocks.

Shortly before you reach Rodney Falls you may spot Hardy Falls in the distance. You are not able to see it from the viewing platform, but it’s still a beautiful add on. You’ll have a distant view of Rodney Falls and the various creeks that flood into Hardy Creek. The trail down to the Hardy platform can be done as a loop. The second trail to the right is easier to maneuver and less steep. It’s located on the right just before a wood bridge.

Abiqua Falls

Abiqua Falls is a 92 foot waterfall located on private land just outside of Portland. Be respectful of their property, remain on trail, stick to the road and follow Leave No Trace principles so it remains open for others. It is a popular swimming spot in the summer and roars in the winter.

The road to the trailhead can be extremely difficult. I’ve gone twice and once parked up the road a ways and walked to the trailhead and drove all the way to the trailhead the second time. There are two difficult spots to maneuver on this trail, otherwise its a typical forest service road with potholes and rocks. A low clearance car can maneuver at least to the second obstacle, if not to the trailhead by going slow.

The first area you may run into problems are two large potholes that fill with water which almost block the entire road. Stick to the right side and only your left tires will get wet. Keep moving slowly so you don’t get stuck in mud.

The second big obstacle on the road is at a sharp corner where the road has large potholes right as you turn. This is where a low clearance and even a high clearance car could run into trouble. If you’re comfortable going down it, stick to the left side going down and the right side when you leave. This is where a lot of cars will park and continue walking to the trailhead. From here the road is easy, but very narrow.

Be kind and patient with fellow hikers. You may need to back up or wait for them to safely back up to let one another pass. You’ll know you’ve reached the parking lot because there is a white gate blocking off the road. From the parking lot, where it’s wide enough for cars to park on both sides, walk back down the road a short distance and you will see a trail on the right next to a tree with a white sign. This is the beginning of the trail.

Although the trail is less than a mile, it can be difficult and scary for those with a fear or heights or steep inclines. In order to drop down to the river bed, there is a section of ropes you must maneuver down. During rainy season this area can be slick and more difficult to travel through. Know your limits and be prepared to get muddy. Once you reach the river bed follow the trail along the edge. It’s a short distance to the waterfall and swimming pool.

REMINDERS

• Always practice Leave No Trace principles when on trail. Don’t climb over fences for photos, dont carve on rocks or trees and take your trash home with you. Taking care of our trails is vital because we want to preserve them fro generations to come.

• Be respectful of your fellow hikers. Let faster hikers pass, don’t hog the waterfall so others can’t take photos or enjoy the views without people in them. If you want to listen to music, use head phones. Never play music on a speaker where others can hear it.

• Wear proper shoes. Waterproof shoes are best for waterfalls if you have them. Sneakers don’t have great traction for slippery rocks and loose rock. Wear waterproof trail runners or hiking boots.

• Many of these waterfalls are close together or have waterfalls near by not mentioned here. Research your hike before going and see if you can add on any other hikes or sites to your day.

• Oregon is known for having amazing waterfalls. Check out my “Amazing Waterfalls in Oregon” guide for other must-do hikes. If you’re wanting to explore the Columbia Gorge more, learn about the best viewpoints and waterfalls in my “The Columbia Gorge” guide.

Chasing waterfalls will always be one of my favorite things to do. The Pacific Northwest is filled with them and Portland has some do the best ones in it‘s backyard. Whether you live near Portland or are just visiting, choosing some of these waterfalls to chase won’t disappoint.

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