The best waterfalls in Oregon
Toketee Falls

Are you looking for the best waterfalls near Portland?

Well, I’ve lived in Portland for the past 20 years and I’ve definitely seen my fair share of waterfalls!

I spend most of my weekends hiking with my husband in the abundant wilderness of Oregon. In that time, I’ve seen hundreds of epic waterfalls.

I didn’t want that knowledge to go to waste, so today I wanted to share my personal list of the best waterfall hikes near Portland.

I’m not one for small talk, so let’s get to it!

Best waterfalls near Portland

Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls is the closest Columbia Gorge waterfall from Portland, which makes it one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the Gorge.

Seriously, everyone and their dog has seen it, loved it and told the tale.

Thank goodness, because this thing serves as the perfect introduction to the best waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge.

Latourell Falls plunges a jaw-dropping 220 feet over the lip of an impressive columnar basalt amphitheater.

And yes, it’s visible from a parking lot, but where’s the fun in that?

An easy 2.4-mile trail leads visitors directly to the first viewpoint before opening up to a dirt path that heads uphill, giving you a better vantage of Upper Latourell Falls as well.

Big rewards for little effort, is it any wonder this is considered one of the best easy waterfall hikes in the Columbia Gorge?

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Oregon to explore with kids because the viewpoint is located right off the parking lot.

The waterfall drops 120 feet between two distinct tiers and visitors can explore both via hike.

The lower trail descends to a creek before ascending to a beautiful viewpoint at the base of this iconic waterfall. You’ll pass by Bridal Veil Creek and notice what remains of the Bridal Veil Falls Lumbering Company. Read the interpretive signage to learn more about the mill if you’re interested.

The Overlook Trail is a paved half-mile trail that leads to a vista overlooking the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. Since both trails are easy to do with kids I highly recommend making the effort them in tandem.

Image courtesy of Southern Oregon Scanner

Wahkeena Falls

Located next to the most popular waterfall hike near Portland, Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls is an often overlooked gem by most unassuming visitors. That’s not to say the hike is unpopular though!

This waterfall hike near Portland is popular amongst those in the know, so crowds are all but guaranteed during the warm summer months.

There’s two ways to experience Wahkeena Falls, either from a viewing platform near off the highway or by hiking up to see the roaring beauty of the entire three-tiered waterfall.

I would argue that this beautiful waterfall near Portland warrants the hiking effort, so strap on your boots and hit the trail. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the falls from various points throughout the trail.

If you continue down the trail for three miles you’ll find yourself in front of another beauty — Fairy Falls.

Seeing both waterfalls would clock you in at a six mile hike, which is the perfect length and effort before hitting up your favorite Portland brewery.

Trail of Ten Falls

Of all the breathtaking waterfalls on the Trail of Ten Falls, none is more photographed than South Falls and there’s a reason for that.

Plunging to striking depths of 175 feet, hikers are allowed to go behind the thundering curtain for a unique waterfall hike that feels like a sacred privileged.

At 9,000 acres, Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon. Home to numerous waterfalls, it’s considered the crown jewel of the state park system.

The best way to explore this area? Hike the epic Trail of Ten Falls where you’ll wander past 10 waterfalls in the span of less 8 miles.

While all 10 waterfalls along the trail are worth exploring, South Falls takes the cake because of its undeniable beauty and the fact that you can walk behind the curtain of water. It’s a rush like no other and an experience you simply can’t forget.

So if you’re looking for the best waterfall hikes near Portland, Oregon, the Trail of Ten Falls simply can’t be missed.

Note: Dogs are prohibited on the Canyon Trail portion of this Oregon hike — which is where the waterfalls are located.

Punch Bowl Falls

Located about 2-miles into the epic Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, Punch Bowl Falls is an aptly-named iconic Oregon waterfall well worth exploration.

Feels like a mythical scene, Punch Bowl Falls gets its name from the shape of the massive pool formation the falls plunge into.

This is a very popular watering hole during the summer months so crowds are all but guaranteed at this beautiful Oregon waterfall.

Be careful if you plan to swim here, cliff jumping is prohibited and you may be subject to a $300 fine.

Note: Check trail conditions before hiking to Punch Bowl Falls. The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire impacted this trail and it was closed for 3+ years before re-opening in 2021. Better safe than sorry, check this resource before heading out.

Tamanawas Falls

Of all the incredible waterfalls near Portland I’ve had the privilege of exploring, none has impressed me more than Tamanawas Falls at Mount Hood National Forest.

The waterfall reveals itself at the lip of an impressive lava cliff and cascades down a thundering 110 feet before reaching the chilly pool at your feet.

The best part? Reaching this epic waterfall requires a 3.4-mile hike so the waterfall isn’t as crowded as some of the other more popular waterfalls in Oregon.

Clean mountain air and a striking evergreen forest guide the way as the trail hugs the pristine Cold Spring Creek for 1.5-miles before spitting you out at a breathtaking viewpoint.

Don’t rush your time at the viewpoint and allow the magic of the moment to enchant you. You are at the base of one of Oregon’s best waterfalls, take it all in because you’ve earned it.

If a more robust trip report would be helpful, you can read more here.

Ramona Falls

Tell any Oregonian that you plan to spend a day at Mt. Hood National Forest and you’re bound to get a recommendation to visit Ramona Falls, one of the best waterfall hikes near Portland, Oregon.

Starting at the Mount Hood Wilderness area, the Ramona Falls Trail is 7 miles round trip and follows the scenic Sandy River throughout various portions of the trail.

Reaching Ramona Falls requires sturdy footwear and a sense of adventure. An old bridge that connected the trail past the Sandy River was washed out and hikers now need to cross the river by balancing on logs.

This is a popular waterfall hike near Portland during summer because of the trail’s proximity to the city. That, and the euphoric reward of cooling off next to one of the most epic waterfalls in Oregon in general.

Elowah Falls

Mileage: 1.5 miles
Parking Pass Required?: No
Dogs Allowed? Yes, must be leashed

The trail leading to Elowah Falls is considered one of the most scenic and easier hikes in the Columbia Gorge. Listed at 213 feet high, Elowah Falls is considered one of the tallest waterfalls in the Gorge, reason alone to visit.

Some say that Elowah Falls may be the better part of 300 feet when its multiple tiers are counted together. But the only thing I’m a specialist at is over-thinking, not waterfalls, so I’m just playing the role of messenger on this one.

Regardless of the stats, this is one of the best waterfall hikes in the Columbia Gorge. And sure, nice-looking falls are in no short supply in the area, but the special ones are still worth calling out.

The huge basaltic alcove Elowah Falls commands (which practically glowing green with lichen!), is an unforgettable sight. And if this 0.8-mile mosey to the waterfall only wets your whistle, you can tack on a longer hike to the twin-barrel drop of Upper McCord Creek Falls.

Build your own adventure? Yep. One of the many reasons this is one of the best waterfall hikes near Portland.

Multnomah Falls

You already know that no list highlighting the best waterfalls in Oregon is complete without mentioning Multnomah Falls.

Plunging a staggering 620 feet, this is the tallest waterfall in Oregon.

Nestled into the pristine Columbia River Gorge, an area with an abundance of waterfalls, mountains and numerous striking vistas for public enjoyment, you will find one of the most visited sights in Oregon.

Attracting international visitors on a daily basis, this waterfall is a breathtaking sight that can be enjoyed up close. Visitors are allowed to hike up to to the Benson Bridge (pictured below) for a better vantage point of the towering falls.

Meander past the rushing force of Multnomah Falls and feel the mist along the paved and easy to follow trail. The hike is not too taxing on the knees and is well worth the effort, which makes this this one of the best family-friendly hikes in Oregon.

The trailhead is is easily accessible and located a mere half-hour from downtown Portland. As such, crowds are all but guaranteed so be prepared!

Multnomah Falls Oregon
Most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon

More waterfalls near Portland Oregon

Can’t get enough of these epic waterfalls? Head to Bend, Oregon for a high concentration of show-stopping waterfalls worth exploring. You can see some of them in the video below!

https://vimeo.com/552932641