The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Oregon Who Loves Waterfall Hikes
By Catherine Armstrong|Updated on April 05, 2022(Originally published March 31, 2022)
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
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.
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). And if you ever find yourself daydreaming about hiking to the best waterfalls in Oregon, you’ll most definitely want to check out the places below! If you love waterfall hikes, this list is designed especially for you. Scroll down to find your favorite.
1. The Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park
The motherlode of all waterfall hikes, this 7.2-mile loop trail takes you to not one...not two...but 10 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 about this amazing Oregon State Park.
2. McDowell Creek Falls, McDowell Creek Falls County Park in Linn County
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). Read more about this fab waterfall hike at AllTrails.
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. While admittedly quite long, your efforts will be immensely rewarded with some seriously spectacular views.
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4. Latourell Falls Trail, Columbia River Gorge Near Corbett
This 2.4-mile loop trailin Columbia River Gorge is rated 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. It's truly one that will take your breath away!
5. Overlook Trail Loop, Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint, 46701 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
Here's a beautifully scenic 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 - mighty and majestic 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. Worth it, though!
7. Hemlock Falls Trail, Near Lake in the Woods Campground, Douglas County
This wondrous waterfall 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 three-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. The bridge is about 100 feet above the valley floor, and the entire area is picture-perfect. Make sure to bring your camera to capture shots of the forest, waterfall, and bridge; this area is peak Oregon! This really is the ultimate Oregon waterfall hike!
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. Talk about picturesque!
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.
11. Abiqua Falls, Near Scott Mills
Abiqua Falls Trailhead, Crooked Finger Rd NE, Scotts Mills, OR 97375, USA
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. Talk about a waterfall twofer!
13. Proxy Falls, Three Sisters Wilderness
Three Sisters Wilderness, Blue River, OR 97413, USA
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.
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14. Hug Point Trail, Hug Point State Park
Hug Point State Recreation Site, Beach Access Rd, Arch Cape, OR 97102, USA
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.
15. Trestle Creek Falls Loop, Umqua National Forest
Trestle Creek Falls Trail 1403c, Dorena, OR 97434, USA
This pretty loop trail is just under five 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, and we think it's one of the best day hikes in Oregon!
16. Grotto Falls Trail, Umpqua National Forest
Umpqua National Forest, Idleyld Park, OR 97447, USA
Want a short and 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.
Are you still wondering about “waterfalls near me” in Oregon? We get it… we’re a helpless bunch of waterfall chasers, too! Here are some tall falls in the Beaver State sure to take your breath away.
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More to Explore
Waterfalls near me
Sarah M.|April 05, 2022
How many waterfalls near me are there in Oregon?
The Beaver State is a dream destination for waterfall chasers, boasting no less than 238 falls -- and those are just the named waterfalls. There are many, many more unnamed falls you'll find along the trails, especially after a big rain or ice melt. All across the state, from the coast to the high desert, you'll find some of the best cascades in the Pacific Northwest. While Columbia River Gorge and Silver Falls State Park are the two places most commonly associated with Oregon waterfalls, there are plenty of other falls all across the state! In addition to the above bucket list, here are some of our top easy-access waterfalls in Oregon; take a look and plan some quick-and-easy waterfall-chasing adventures!
