9 Top Secret Oregon Waterfalls To Visit Before Word Gets Out
It’s no secret that Oregon is filled with stunning waterfalls. From the iconic Multnomah Falls to the popular Silver Falls State Park, there are plenty of top-rated waterfalls in Oregon that should be on your list to visit. However, some of the most majestic ones are often off the beaten path. The following nine secret waterfalls in Oregon may be a bit under the radar, but they offer both seclusion and incredible natural beauty. You need to visit these hidden gems before everyone else does.
Tucked away in Scotts Mills, Oregon, Upper Butte Creek Falls is an enchanting 26-foot waterfall. You can reach the falls by taking a short and easily accessible 0.3-mile hike.
This hidden gem is nestled in the north end of the Willamette National Forest, near the city of Oakridge, Oregon. You can access the waterfall from the Diamond Creek Falls trailhead, located in the Salt Creek Falls Observation Site's parking lot.
Sahalie Falls is downright inspiring. Watching the misty white water plunge 100 feet over a natural dam is a sight not to be missed. This stunner can be easily accessed from Highway 126.
Considering how magnificent it is, Pup Creek Falls is probably one of Oregon's most underrated waterfalls. To access the falls, take a short quarter-mile hike from the beginning of the Clackamas River Trail, located near Estacada, Oregon.
Editor's Note: Please note that at the time of writing, the trail to Upper Shellburg Falls was temporarily closed due to wildfire damage.
Upper Shellburg Falls is a bit off the beaten path, which means its a great waterfall to visit if you want to escape the crowds. The falls are located near Mehama, Oregon in the North Santiam State Recreation Area.
7. Munson Creek Falls
Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site, Oregon 97141, USA
This spectacular waterfall is the tallest waterfall on the Oregon Coast. It is only a short hike from the parking lot, which is located off Highway 101 just south of Tillamook, Oregon.
Even though Upper Downing Creek is one of Oregon's most majestic waterfalls, few people know it exists. The waterfall can be a bit challenging to get to, but it is truly stunning and well-worth seeking out!
Despite its remote location deep within the coastal range, Drift Creek Falls is worth the drive. This enchanting waterfall can be found off Highway 101 south of Lincoln City, Oregon.
Have you been to any of these waterfalls? We’d love to hear about your experience!
Address: Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site, Oregon 97141, USA
Address: Downing Creek Falls, Oregon, USA
Address: Pup Creek Waterfall, Estacada, OR 97023, USA
Address: Drift Creek Falls, Oregon 97385, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls near me
April 08, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some easy-access waterfalls near me in Oregon?
If you’re up for some waterfall chasing, minus the chasing, you’ll be delighted to learn that there are numerous easy-access waterfalls located all across Oregon! And not only that, but some of the state’s most fabulous falls are the easiest to access, too. Take Salt Creek Falls, for example. Salt Creek Falls is a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall located in the Willamette National Forest — and it’s the second-tallest waterfall in all of Oregon. There is a wonderful observation platform that looks down over the waterfall; it’s wheelchair accessible and only 50 yards from the parking lot! Another easy-access waterfall in Oregon is Tumalo Falls. Located near Bend, the stunning Tumalo Falls is an impressive waterfall that you can easily view from an observation deck right beside the parking lot. You’ll also find a great viewpoint just five minutes (walking time) away. Oh, and did we mention it’s a double waterfall?!? Sign us up!
What are the best waterfall hikes in Oregon?
Waterfall hikes abound in the Beaver State, a place that’s home to literally hundreds of wondrous waterfalls. Some of our favorite waterfall hikes in Oregon include: The Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park, the Ice Lake Trail in the Wallowa Mountains near Joseph, the Latourell Falls Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, Drift Creek Falls in Siuslaw National Forest, Sweet Creek Falls located near Florence, Ramona Falls in Mount Hood National Forest, Tumalo Falls in the Deschutes National Forest, and Proxy Falls which is located in Three Sisters Wilderness. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of our state’s wonderful waterfall hikes… did you know you could spend days and days exploring the 90-some cascades found in the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge?
Address: Butte Creek Falls, Oregon 97375, USA
Address: Crescent, OR 97733, USA
Address: Koosah Falls, Oregon 97413, USA
Address: Sahalie Falls, Oregon 97413, USA
Address: Shellburg Falls, Oregon 97358, USA
Address: Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site, Oregon 97141, USA
Address: Downing Creek Falls, Oregon, USA
Address: Pup Creek Waterfall, Estacada, OR 97023, USA
Address: Drift Creek Falls, Oregon 97385, USA
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