Posted in Oregon
August 08, 2018
The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Oregon Who Loves Waterfall Hikes
There are two things that Oregon does better than any other state: waterfalls and hiking trails (we’d actually add coastal beaches, rivers, craft beer, and lakes to the list, too). If you love waterfall hikes, this list is designed especially for you. Scroll down to find your favorite.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The motherlode of all waterfall hikes, this 7.2-mile loop trail takes you to not one...not two...but TEN gorgeous waterfalls! It's a moderate hike with a few staircases and other slight elevation changes, but your effort is richly rewarded. Check out our recent feature article here.
This easy hike is perfect for kids, and you'll see three waterfalls along the way. The trail makes a 1.6-mile loop, and you'll get a gander at Royal Terrace Falls (119 feet), Majestic Falls (39 feet) and Crystal Pool Falls (14 feet).
Ready for a major waterfall hiking excursion? This 12.6 mile trail is perfect for a backpacking trip, and you'll be rewarded with three jaw-dropping falls: the 480-foot Ice Falls, the "humble" 50-foot BC Falls, and the 70-foot Beauty Falls (pictured here), which certainly earns its name.
This 2.4-mile loop trail is moderately difficult with a bit of elevation gain. Latourell Falls is 224 feet tall; the upper falls is an often-overlooked beauty that drops 120 feet.
Here's a great trail that's accessible to everyone. Just a half-mile long, this simple trail in the Columbia River Gorge is paved, so it's wheelchair and stroller accessible. The majestic waterfall is 118 feet tall.
No waterfall bucket list would be complete without our most famous waterfall - Multnomah Falls. The trail is just 1.8 miles out and back, and you'll make plenty of friends along the way; it's one of Oregon's most crowded waterfall trails.
This trail is less than a mile out and back, and it's considered moderately difficult due to its somewhat steep descent. Give yourself at least a half hour to reach the falls, which are worth your effort.
Start along the 3-mile-long trail, and you'll be surrounded by lush vegetation and ferns...then you'll get to the 240-foot-long suspension bridge for this incredible view. Drift Creek Falls tumbles 66 feet from the cliff onto the rocks below.
Yup, this one sure is sweet! Drive just a few miles inland from Florence to find this beauty. It's a super easy 2.2 mile out-and-back trail that takes you through ancient forest and along a babbling brook.
It's hard to adequately convey the beauty of this waterfall in a photo - you just have to hike in to see in up close. The hike is a moderate 7.5-mile hike, and you'll catch a few jaw-dropping views of Mount Hood along the way.
Located on private property, the one-mile-long trail to Abiqua Falls will take you about and hour to complete. The trail isn't an official trail, and it can be a little tricky to navigate, but it's worth it for this stunning waterfall. Remember that you're on private property, and be respectful of the privilege granted by the Mount Angel Abbey, who owns this place.
Tumalo Falls is certainly picturesque and it's got that whole "Waterfall In Rugged Oregon" quality to it. The trail makes a 7.4-mile loop, an it can be a little difficult. In addition to the stunning 90-foot-tall Tumalo Falls, you'll encounter Double Falls and Bridge Creek Falls along the way.
This drop-dead-gorgeous waterfall is one of the most photographed in the Beaver State, though it's nearly impossible to get the whole thing in one frame. The Proxy Falls Loop Trail is an easy 1.6-mile loop trail. Wear some sturdy hiking shoes to traverse the lava beds near the beginning of the trail.
What's better than a beautiful waterfall? A beautiful waterfall on a beach! Take this half-mile trail to explore sea caves and get a look at this little beaut. Read our feature article about Hug Point here.
This pretty loop trail is about four miles long, and you'll get to see two waterfalls - Upper Trestle Creek Falls, which cascades a total of 70 feet, and Trestle Creek Falls, which tumbles 45 feet. You'll gain about 850 feet in elevation on this moderate hike.
Want a short, sweet hike with a pretty payoff? The Grotto Falls Trail is an easy, breezy half-mile trail. The path takes you right behind the waterfall, and you can actually reach out and touch the falling water.
As we get to the end of this list, we know exactly what you’re thinking. “How could they possibly exclude the such-and-such waterfall trail…it’s the very best!” The truth is, you’re right – there was no way to list ALL of the gorgeous waterfall hikes in the Beaver State. Share your favorite waterfall hikes and photos in the comments so our readers can see all the hikes we left out.
You’ll also find tons of beautiful waterfall photos in our Oregon Nature Lovers Group. If you haven’t joined yet, do it now! You can share your own photos, and see some stunning pics from your fellow Oregonians.
