6 Easy-Access Oregon Waterfalls That Are Perfect For A Summer Adventure
If you love waterfalls, you’re surely in heaven here in Oregon. With 238 named waterfalls across the state, it could take you years to find them all. Luckily, you can cross several beautiful waterfalls near me off your list quite easily. Here are six of our favorite easy-access waterfalls that every Oregonian should visit.
Multnomah Falls is the most obvious choice for our list - you can see it right from the Interstate that runs through the Columbia River Gorge. Oregon's tallest waterfall, it tumbles an impressive 620 feet in two tiers. Park right at the falls and walk to its base, or make the short climb up to the observation deck. Check out the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge while you're here.
Tucked away in the Willamette National Forest, Salt Creek Falls is an impressive waterfall that cascades 286 feet from the cliff to a pool below. You'll find it 23 miles south of Oakridge, along the Willamette Highway. Park in the lot, then stroll over to the observation platform just 50 feet away.
3. Shepperd's Dell Falls
Shepperd's Dell Falls, East Historic Columbia River, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
Just one of many waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, Shepperd's Dell Falls is a pretty waterfall right off the Historic Columbia River Highway. You'll find it about four miles east of Crown Point. Take a very short, paved trail to see the horsetail falls, which drop from a height of 200 feet.
The jaunt to Toketee Falls is the longest on our list, but it's well worth the 0.8-mile trek to see it. Located on the North Umpqua River, the falls are best viewed from the large platform across from them. The waterfall is 113-feet tall and is one of the most picturesque in the state.
Located near the pretty town of Bend, Oregon, Tumalo Falls is another iconic waterfall you won't want to miss. From the Tumalo Falls Day Use Area, you can see the waterfall just 0.25 miles from the trailhead. Its 97-foot drop is definitely impressive. Read more about this hidden gem of a waterfall in Oregon below!
Take a short path along the Clearwater River to see Whitehorse Falls from a viewing platform. It's located just off Highway 38 (AKA Oregon's Highway of Waterfalls), just a few miles from Toketee Falls. While the waterfall is just 14-feet high, it's a pretty spot that's easy to explore.
This list barely scratches the surface of Oregon’s waterfall wonderlands! What other easy-access falls would you add to this list? Let our readers know in the comments below.
Address: Shepperd's Dell Falls, East Historic Columbia River, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls near me
March 19, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some waterfalls near me in Portland, Oregon?
If you’re living in or near Rose City, you have access to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the entire Pacific Northwest! We’re talking, of course, about the Columbia River Gorge,a treasure trove of over 90 glorious waterfallson the Oregon side alone. From Portland, Oregon, several waterfalls are within a quick drive, including Latourell Falls, Coopey Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and, of course, the mighty and magnificent Multnomah Falls.
Another little-known stunner in the area is the Portland Japanese Garden’s Heavenly Falls, which, as its name suggests, quite literally seems to pour out from the heavens. Thisbeautiful fall is hiding right in plain sight and is incredibly easy to access, too!
What are some easy-access waterfalls in Oregon?
You don’t have to be an advanced hiker or outdoor enthusiast to experience Oregon’s waterfalls. In fact,there are numerous beautiful cascades in the Beaver State that require little-to-no hiking to access! One of our favorite easy-access waterfalls in Oregon is up in Bend. Located within the stunning Deschutes National Forest, the Tumalo Falls Day Use Area is home to several stunning waterfalls and scenic trails. Of course, Tumalo Falls is the headliner here, and you can actually see this epic waterfall just .25 miles from the eponymous Tumalo Falls trailhead. Tumalo Falls is a striking, 97-foot fall that pours into Tumalo Creek in a thunderous rush of water. There’s a scenic overlook at the start of the trail that offers jaw-dropping views of this glorious cascade — and phenomenal photo ops, too! And if you are in the mood for a short-and-sweet waterfall hike, you’ll find additional falls upstream along Tumalo Creek and its tributary, Bridge Creek, which can be viewed along the Tumalo Falls and Double Falls Trail, a two-mile, out-and-back trek that’s a dream for Oregon waterfall chasers.
Address: Multnomah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Toketee Falls, OR 97447, USA
Address: Salt Creek Falls, Oregon, USA
Address: Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA
Address: Whitehorse Falls, Oregon 97447, USA
Address: Shepperd's Dell Falls, East Historic Columbia River, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
