If you don't want to hike miles to see a waterfall, you are in luck! There are five waterfalls hiding in the greater Portland area that require no hiking to view. You do have to step out of your car to get the best view, but you do not have to don your hiking shoes and supplies to reach these beauties. Head east on the Historic Columbia River Highway and you will practically run into these amazing waterfalls near me along the way. Here are some of the best no-hike waterfalls in the Portland area.
1. Latourell Falls
You will have to get out of your car and walk to the picnic area to view the lower falls, but this short walk barely qualifies as a hike. But if you want to really explore, Latourell Falls is one of the finest in the Gorge, and the hike to access these falls is a dream. The Latourell Falls Loop Trail boasts four different wooden bridges, making for a marvelous and charming afternoon adventure. You'll find the trailhead just off the Historic Columbia River Highway, and the entire hike is just three miles long.
2. Sheppard's Dell
One mile down the road from Latourell Falls is Sheppard's Dell, a lovely waterfall completely viewable from the bridge leading to Shepherd's Dell State Park, a wholly underrated gem in the Beaver State! It's convenient to find waterfalls accessible by car, isn't it?
3. Coopey Falls
Coopey Falls is most commonly viewed during the Angel's Rest hike, but it is also viewable from ground level. You can see the waterfall in its entirety east of the Angel's Rest trailhead on the Historic Columbia River Highway near the grounds of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist Convent. If you're up for a short-and-sweet trek, the Coopey Falls Trail is a mile-long. It is a moderately-trafficked, out-and-back trail located near Corbett, Oregon, that's accessible for all skill levels.
4. Wahkeena Falls
With this waterfall, you can take the trail up to the falls for some incredible panoramic views, or simply view the waterfall from the Wahkeena picnic area, about a half-mile east of Multnomah Falls. We love Wahkeena Falls for so many reasons, and the entire experience of seeing this waterfall feels like something straight out of a fairy tale.
5. Multnomah Falls
Perhaps the most well-known waterfall in western Oregon, Multnomah Falls is viewable in its entirety from below. But do you have to hike to see Multnomah Falls? Well, not really. Park in the neighboring lot, walk to the base, and enjoy a cup of coffee while you take in the view. There truly is nowhere in Oregon quite like mighty Multnomah. This 611-foot-tall roaring waterfall is in a league all its own; and while Oregon's side of the Columbia River Gorge may boast more than 90 incredible cascades, Multnomah truly is its crown jewel and the perfect grand finale to your waterfall tour of the Gorge!
Have you been to any of these no-hike waterfalls near Portland, Oregon? Which one is your favorite? Leave your comments below!
If you're looking for a spectacular waterfall hike near Portland that features not just one, but two glorious waterfalls, check out this trail!
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