elizabethadventuresblogIf you haven’t heard, Oregon is filled with beautiful waterfalls all around the state. In fact, the Columbia Gorge has close to 50 alone! With so many amazing trails leading to water wonderlands, how do you ever decide where to go? I’ve compiled a list of a few of my favorite Oregon waterfalls to date to share with you.
MULTNOMAH FALLS
First off, I’ll start with the most popular Oregon waterfall, Multnomah Falls. Honestly, it’s stunning, but often way too crowded. I only stop on days where the parking lot is mostly empty. It’s become quite the tourist spot, but if you’re visiting Oregon and want to see waterfalls, it is the most impressive! Just make sure you go early so you can find a parking spot. The falls are located in the Columbia Gorge, so if you decide to stop here, be sure to drive the Historic Columbia Highway. There are tons of other short waterfall hikes along the drive. If you’re short on time and are driving I-84 to get there, make sure you look up at the hillside often because you can spot multiple falls from the road!
There is a lodge with bathrooms, a restaurant and gift shop at Multnomah Falls. The viewing platform is a quick walk from the parking lot and up a few stairs, but it’s a little over a mile to the top of the falls if you want to hike. If you don’t want to hike the entire trail, you can walk the paved path to the iconic bridge.
Once you reach the bridge, the trail continues to the top of the falls and on through the forest. Most people go to the viewing platform at the top and return. Back in the fall of 2018, there was a terrible fire that ripped through the gorge and caused a lot of damage to our beloved trails. The lodge and falls area were saved, but the trail to the upper falls was severely damaged.
If you hike above the falls you will need to be aware of the danger of hiking in a recent burn area. There could be falling rocks and trees as well as mud slides, especially after a lot of rain in the area. There are multiple trail options above the falls so be sure to check out a map or AllTrails to map out where you want to hike. Even after the fire, it is still so beautiful walking along the river and seeing the waterfalls past Multnomah falls.
TOKEETEE FALLS
This is another easy hike to the viewing platform, but a stunning waterfall! This beauty is located in the Umpqua National Forest in southern Oregon. This hike is only .8 miles out and back and relatively flat. There are some built platforms and stairs near the end of the hike you will need to be able to go up and down. Once you reach the end, there is a overlook platform built around a tree.
The view at the platform is stunning! After visiting this amazing waterfall I learned you aren’t supposed to climb down the falls. My picture shows the view from below, but do not climb through the opening of the fence and go down.
PHEASANT FALLS
This waterfall is great if you’re looking for less crowds. The hike is only 2 miles out and back. The trail is lined with ferns and the sound of the creek. There are even a few benches along the way to enjoy if you want. There are two waterfalls at this location. Oregon Niagara Falls is on the right as you cross a small bridge. It is pretty, but nothing compared to Pheasant Falls. If you walk just a bit farther around the corner you will see a picnic table and a view of Pheasant Falls.
You can enjoy lunch or a snack at the table and then venture down to the creek bed to the falls a little closer. There isn’t a trail that takes you close, so be prepared to possibly get your feet wet if you decide to go father up. Unlike a lot of other falls, this one doesn’t have a lot of spots to just sit for an hour and enjoy unless you use the picnic table. But, luckily it isn’t a busy as the other falls on this list!
PROXY FALLS
This is without a doubt one of my favorite waterfalls in Oregon. The trail is a 1.6 mile loop, but can be done as an out and back. There are two sets of falls on the hike- the upper and the lower. If you don’t have much time, the lower falls are the must see of the two, as pictured above. This is an even better spot to hike to after a good rainfall when the water is really coming down! Once you make it down the steep hillside you’ll have to work your way over logs and over the creek to get closer to the waterfall. Be cautious when walking on logs, they can be extremely slippery.
SILVER FALLS STATE PARK
Silverfalls State Park is without a doubt the best spot to see multiple waterfalls in one hike. It is a very busy park, but once you get past the first two falls on the trail there are far less people. There are multiple trail systems and options for hiking here, so make sure you check out a park map and decide what loop will work best for you. There are four waterfalls you can walk behind at the park, so if you can do the full loop, you should.
When I hike here I often to do the 6.9 mile loop that allows you to see all 10 waterfalls. I start the hike at the South Falls which is just past the lodges, gift store and restrooms. I prefer to start here because it has more parking and I can get past the most crowded waterfall first. There are stairs and steep sections to the trail, but most of it is a relatively level trail.
TAMANAWAS FALLS
This waterfall is one of my favorites near Portland. It is an easy 3.3 mile hike with a lush waterfall. This waterfall is very popular so the parking lot fills quickly. From the parking lot you cross a footbridge over a stream before beginning a relatively gradual climb to the waterfall. In the winter months you will want to wear microspikes to give you traction on trail. This waterfall has a lot of rocks surrounding it that can be slippery when wet, so walk with caution.
CLACKAMAS FALLS
I will fully warn you, this hike is not for the faint at heart, dogs or children. This is a 5.7 mile out and back hike that takes you to two waterfalls- Clackamas Falls and Memaloose Falls. There is no parking lot for this hike. Drive out Clackamas HWY and after Memaloose, there will be a blue bridge crossing the river on the right. Park near the bridge. You will cross the bridge and begin following the road up the hill for a while. The trail isn’t super obvious from the road, so be on the lookout for it. There are wood signs on a tree just after you pass it. I would recommend using the ALLTrails app to help you find it.
The trail itself is extremely overgrown and was very muddy when I went after a week of rain. You will wander through forest and wildflowers before the trail takes a steep descent. The trail takes you down into the canyon and is very steep in parts. There are ropes provided to get down the hill. There are at least 5 long rope sections. After you reach the end, you will come to a tunnel/cave. This is why dogs are not allowed. To help prevent white nose syndrome in the bat population, you need to make sure you have shoes that haven’t been worn in other caves and no pets. I packed a flashlight, but you can see enough to get through without one too. The flashlight will definitely help you find your footing on the slippery rocks.
After this tunnel, the trail was pretty overgrown. There were a few times I was full on bushwhacking my way through. You will come to an old bridge where you can cross the river. Just after the bridge there is a fork. Left to Clackamas falls and right to Memaloose. I went left to Clackamas Falls first. A short ways on this trial you will be able to see Clackamas waterfall in the distance.
From here you will have to decide if you want to cross the two wood logs or call it a day and head back. I decided to cross the logs, but honestly I would never do it again! The logs are rotting and they bounce a lot as you cross. If they ever replace the logs then I would maybe consider doing it again, but I would be hesitant. If you decide to cross the logs you will pass through one long tunnel followed by a shorter one before you reach the falls. There’s a narrow path that will take you down to its base as well. On the way back I attempted to reach Memaloose Falls but it was so overgrown I turned around.
REMINDERS
Before you hit the trail be sure to read up on the Leave No Trace Principles. These natural wonders need to be respected and preserved, meaning limiting our impact on them. Learn about proper trail etiquette so you can be respectful to your fellow hiker.
- Always practice Leave No Trace, meaning stay on trail, do not carve or mark on rocks and pack out your trash.
- Be respectful of your fellow hiker and take turns taking photos. Don’t sit for long periods in places where people may want to take photos.
- 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 trail runners of hiking boots.
Oregon is truly the land of waterfalls. It has so many amazing waterfalls throughout the state and this list just barely touches on them. You can learn more about the best waterfalls near Portland, here. Before you do any waterfall hike, research the area it is in because chances are there’s at least one nearby you can explore too. That’s what’s so amazing about these waterfall hikes, you can do multiple in a day! Hopefully you can check some of these off and explore a few others while you’re at it.
For more waterfalls hikes, be sure to check out my “Best Waterfall Hikes Within 2 Hours of Portland” guide. If you’re wanting to explore this beautiful state more be sure to explore the blog for amazing Oregon trail guides.
Happy Hiking,
Elizabeth
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Other Oregon Waterfall Guides
The Ultimate Guide to Oregon’s Lesser Known Waterfall Hikes
The Best Waterfall Hikes Within 2 Hours of Portland
Salt Creek and Diamond Falls: A Beautiful Oregon Waterfall Trail
