12 Of The Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge You Need To Visit
If you’re in northern Oregon and wondering about “waterfalls near me,” you simply need to pack up and head to the Columbia River Gorge. Located at the border of Washington and Oregon, the stunning Columbia River Gorge is known for its immense natural beauty and the most abundant waterfalls in Oregon — lots and lots of waterfalls! Here are 12 of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Oregon side of the Gorge; these are some of the most glorious cascades in the PNW and worth chasing!
This beautiful 100-foot waterfall is a true hidden gem. Tucked away at the end of a magical canyon, this beautiful cascade can only be reached by taking a short -- but incredibly scenic -- hike through the narrow Oneonta Gorge.
Ponytail Falls is located above Horsetail Falls and can be reached on the Horsetail Falls Trail #438. The trail runs directly behind the waterfall through a natural cavern that lets hikers view the waterfall from a unique vantage point.
Wahkeena Falls is a beautiful 242-foot waterfall that can be easily accessed by taking a short 0.2-mile stroll to a viewpoint or by taking a 1.5-mile hike to the top of the falls. This hike is like something out of a fairy tale!
The 250-foot-tall Latourell Falls flows gracefully over a basalt ledge and into a small and beautiful basin. Hikers can take a short walk right up to the base of the falls to feel the cool mist of the tremendous cascade.
8. Starvation Creek Falls
Starvation Creek Falls, Columbia River Highway, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
This unique waterfall is located pretty far along the legendary Eagle Creek Trail, but it's absolutely worth the trek. The trail actually runs along the cliff wall and continues behind the 160-foot waterfall in a tunnel that was blasted through the rock wall in the early 1900s.
Much earlier along the Eagle Creek Trail, you'll find the pristine Punchbowl Falls. This lovely little waterfall twirls into a large, crystal clear basin that's a perfect swimming hole in the summertime.
This powerful waterfall is located at the end of the amazing Wahclella Falls Trail. An easy two-mile (round trip) hike will lead you on a scenic journey to this impressive 120-foot waterfall.
Last, but not least, the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge: Multnomah Falls. This stunning 620-foot waterfall is the second tallest year-round waterfall in the country and it is absolutely mesmerizing. Plus, it's easily accessible from both the Columbia River Highway and Interstate 84.
Address: Starvation Creek Falls, Columbia River Highway, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Address: Latourell Falls, Oregon, USA
Address: Tunnel Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Horsetail Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Bridal Veil Falls, Oregon 97010, USA
Address: Horsetail Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Oneonta Gorge, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Wahclella Falls, Oregon, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
March 18, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other beautiful waterfalls near me in Portland, Oregon?
One of the most beautiful and perfect waterfalls in Oregon is actually located just outside of Columbia River Gorge at the incredible Portland Japanese Garden. With its cool canopy of trees, vibrant and verdant foliage, and sounds of babbling cascades and fluttering wildlife, strolling through the Portland Japanese Garden is a total sensory experience sure to calm your busy mind and bring a sense of peace. And the centerpiece of this garden is something truly glorious: the 35-foot Heavenly Waterfall. This winsome waterfall is of divine inspiration; named as such because designer Professor Takuma Tono thought the falls seemed to flow down from the Milky Way, a galaxy also known as the River of Stars. Sounds totally dreamy, right? This beautiful place is also a wonderful spot for wandering, strolling, and enjoying the abundant and artfully arranged flora and fauna.
What are some other adventures I can have in the Columbia River Gorge?
While the Columbia River Gorge is best known for its amazing waterfalls (there are over 90 on the Oregon side alone), it truly is a bucket-list-worthy destination for numerous other reasons. Immensely scenic and breathtakingly beautiful, one of the best ways to see the highlights of this natural wonder is by driving the Historic Columbia River Scenic Byway. This 75-mile scenic highway winds past dozens of amazing waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, charming small towns, and hiking areas. Lewis and Clark first happened upon the Columbia River Gorge during their expeditions in 1806, and we can only imagine how awestruck they were at discovering this pristine PNW paradise. Go explore the Columbia River Gorge for yourself and be ready to experience total awe and wonder.
Address: Elowah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Wahkeena Falls, Oregon 97019, USA
Address: Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA
Address: Multnomah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Starvation Creek Falls, Columbia River Highway, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Address: Latourell Falls, Oregon, USA
Address: Tunnel Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Horsetail Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Bridal Veil Falls, Oregon 97010, USA
Address: Horsetail Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Oneonta Gorge, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Wahclella Falls, Oregon, USA
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