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.

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.

Latourell Falls

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!

Wahkeena Falls

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!

Multnomah Falls

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.

Horsetail Falls

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

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 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.

Lancaster Falls

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

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

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!

If you are interested in seeing more of the top waterfalls in Oregon, check out our Ultimate Guide to the best waterfalls in Oregon.