Spend The Day Exploring Oregon’s Tallest Falls On This Wonderful Waterfall Road Trip
Oregon is a waterfall lover’s paradise, with at least 238 named waterfalls across the state. If you’d like to see 8 of Oregon’s tallest falls in just one day, you’ll want to head to the Columbia River Valley, which is just brimming with waterfalls. Here are some of the most impressive on our waterfall road trip in Oregon!
This road trip doesn’t include the top 8 tallest falls. Some of those waterfalls are difficult to reach, or were too far outside the starting area of our trip to make them feasible to include. However, all 8 of the falls along this road trip are amongst the top 40 tallest waterfalls in Oregon.
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Our Wonderful Waterfall Trail takes you through the Columbia River Gorge, stretching from Benson State Park all the way to Cascade Locks.
The map notes that the road trip takes 1 hour and 33 minutes, but of course, that figures that you'll drive right past these beauties. In reality, you'll want to get a very early start and spend all day long to take some of the hikes to see these falls.
Along the way, there are numerous other waterfalls to see, but they're not listed here because they're not some of Oregon's tallest. Feel free to pull over and explore them, too! Click here for directions.
The first waterfall you'll encounter along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway, Latourell Falls is truly impressive. It's nowhere near the tallest of Oregon's falls, but its 224-foot drop straight from the cliff into its pool is undeniably pretty. The loop trail to reach it is two miles long, and rated as moderate. This waterfall in Oregon has such a fun hike out to it!
You'll find Wahkeena Falls along the 4.7-mile Wahkeena Falls Loop. It's a pleasant hike with a gorgeous, 242-foot waterfall along the way.
This fairytale waterfall in Oregon is a must-see if you’re in the area. It will feel like you’re inside a magical story!
If you've lived in Oregon very long, you've visited Multnomah Falls. This gorgeous waterfall tumbles 635 feet in two tiers from the top of the cliff high above. It's the tallest waterfall in the state, and it's definitely an impressive sight to see.
This famous waterfall is not just the tallest waterfall in Oregon, it’s also one of the most beautiful.
The Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls Trail is a short out-and-back trail that's less than a mile, and you'll see two falls along the way! Horsetail Falls is an impressive, twisting waterfall that's 214 feet high.
We love this waterfall on our waterfall road trip in Oregon because it’s a gorgeous way to see two waterfalls at once.
Ponytail Falls isn't nearly as tall as the others on this road trip, but its 88-foot plunge into the pool below is still impressive. It’s a great waterfall to see on the hike out to Horsetail Falls, and equally deserving of a photo!
Dry Creek Falls
Dry Creek Falls Trail, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Dry Creek Falls is a picturesque, 230-foot waterfall along the Pacific Crest Trail. The visible portion of the falls is just 74 feet, but what you can't see from your vantage point is the five cascading drops from the cliff high above. No matter - the 74 feet you can see is beautiful.
We all know the Columbia Creek Gorge is just stunning, and this waterfall in Oregon just completes the picture.
Take the short spur off Lower Starvation Loop to see Lancaster Falls. It stands 303 feet tall. This loop trail is rated as moderate, with a 728-foot elevation gain. One of the tallest waterfalls in Oregon, this is a gorgeous one to see in person!
Cabin Creek Falls
Cabin Creek Falls, Starvation Ridge Trail #414, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
You'll hike 2.-5 miles out and back on the Lower Starvation Loop trail to see the beautiful 220-foot cascades of Cabin Creek Falls, and there's a second waterfall waiting for you on this trail, too.
Easily one of our favorite Oregon waterfalls!
Starvation Creek Falls
Starvation Creek Falls, Columbia River Highway, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
You'll find Starvation Creek Falls near Hood River. It's just a .2-mile hike to the falls, and is rated as an easy trek. The 227-foot falls are spectacular!
From here, you'll want to retrace your steps back along the Columbia River toward Portland, or continue to Hood River to spend the night, and return the next morning. This hidden waterfall in Oregon is just as magical as it seems!
Does this waterfall road trip in Oregon sound like something you’d like to take? Tag the people you want to go with in the comments below!
The most waterfalls in Oregon are at Silver Falls State Park. You can find dozens of waterfalls. In fact, it is considered to be the “crown jewel” of the state park system! The best trail to hike to see waterfall up close and personal is the Trail of Ten Falls, where you can hike past 10 separate waterfalls all on a single 8 mile trail.
How many waterfalls are in Oregon?
There are at least 238 waterfalls in Oregon. Hundreds of Oregon’s waterfalls are taller than skyscrapers, and most of the state’s waterfalls last all year long. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has a ton of scenic waterfalls to view if you’re looking to see some up close.
What are the best waterfalls in Oregon?
The best waterfalls in Oregon are hard to pick out, because there are so many great ones. There are tall ones, wild ones, and some that look like they belong in a fairy tale.
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.
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