Waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge: Best Hikes & Scenic Views
With towering cliffs, lush forests, and cascading falls, the Columbia River Gorge is one of the best places in the U.S. for waterfall lovers. Located just 30 minutes from Portland, this region is home to over 90 waterfalls, making it an incredible destination for hiking and photography. This guide highlights the most spectacular waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge and how to experience them.
Where is the Columbia River Gorge?
📍 Location: Northern Oregon, along the Washington border
🚗 Drive Time from Portland: ~30 minutes
🔗 Visit Columbia River Gorge
🚗 Drive Time from Portland: ~30 minutes
🔗 Visit Columbia River Gorge
Stretching 85 miles along the Columbia River, this National Scenic Area is home to breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and historic sites.
Best Time to Visit the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
🌸 Spring (March-May): Peak waterfall flow with lush green scenery.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Great for hiking and photography, but more crowded.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colors.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Unique frozen waterfall views after cold weather.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Great for hiking and photography, but more crowded.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colors.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Unique frozen waterfall views after cold weather.
Top 10 Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge
1. Multnomah Falls – Oregon’s Most Famous Waterfall
The most iconic waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls drops 620 feet in two stunning tiers.
📷 Best Views:
- Benson Bridge – A scenic footbridge halfway up the falls.
- Top of the Falls Hike – A 1.2-mile uphill trail leading to an incredible overlook.
2. Latourell Falls – A Stunning Single-Drop Waterfall
This 249-foot waterfall is known for its bright yellow lichen-covered basalt cliffs.
🥾 Best Hike:
- Latourell Falls Loop (2.4 miles) – A scenic hike passing Upper and Lower Latourell Falls.
📍 Location: Off Historic Columbia River Highway
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate
3. Wahkeena Falls – A Cascading Beauty
Unlike Multnomah’s vertical drop, Wahkeena Falls tumbles 242 feet in a beautiful tiered cascade.
📷 Best Viewpoints:
- Wahkeena Trailhead – A short 0.2-mile walk to the base.
- Angels Rest Trail – A longer 5-mile hike with panoramic views.
📍 Location: Near Multnomah Falls
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Easy
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Easy
4. Horsetail Falls – The Perfect Roadside Stop
Horsetail Falls is named for its unique shape, with water flowing like a horse’s tail.
🥾 Best Hike:
- Ponytail Falls Trail (1-mile loop) – A short hike leading behind the waterfall.
📍 Location: Off Historic Columbia River Highway
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Easy
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Easy
5. Bridal Veil Falls – A Hidden Gem
A picturesque two-tier waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls is one of the best photo spots in the Gorge.
🥾 Best Hike:
- Bridal Veil Falls Trail (1-mile round trip) – A gentle forest walk leading to an amazing overlook.
📍 Location: Off Highway 30
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Easy
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Easy
6. Elowah Falls – A Peaceful Hike to a Hidden Cascade
Elowah Falls is one of the most underrated waterfalls in Oregon, dropping 213 feet into a lush canyon.
🥾 Best Hike:
- Elowah Falls Trail (1.5 miles round trip) – A quiet, scenic trail through moss-covered cliffs.
📍 Location: John B. Yeon Trailhead
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate
7. Oneonta Gorge & Lower Oneonta Falls
Oneonta Gorge is a moss-covered slot canyon, leading to a hidden waterfall.
🚶 Best Route:
- Wade through the creek to reach Lower Oneonta Falls (seasonal access only).
📍 Location: Near Horsetail Falls
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate (requires wading)
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate (requires wading)
8. Punchbowl Falls – A Famous Waterfall on Eagle Creek Trail
One of the most photographed waterfalls in Oregon, Punchbowl Falls is a stunning swimming hole.
🥾 Best Hike:
- Eagle Creek Trail (4 miles round trip) – A classic Columbia Gorge hike.
📍 Location: Off I-84, Exit 41
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate
9. Tamanawas Falls – A Beautiful Waterfall Near Mount Hood
A 100-foot waterfall surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forest.
🥾 Best Hike:
- Tamanawas Falls Trail (3.8 miles round trip) – A peaceful hike along a scenic river.
📍 Location: Highway 35 near Hood River
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate
10. Dry Creek Falls – A Lesser-Known Gem
A hidden 75-foot waterfall tucked away in the Columbia Gorge wilderness.
🥾 Best Hike:
- Dry Creek Falls Trail (4.4 miles round trip) – A quiet, forested trail.
📍 Location: Bridge of the Gods Trailhead
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate
🚶 Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Tips for Visiting Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
✅ Arrive early – Parking fills up quickly, especially at Multnomah Falls.
✅ Check trail conditions – Some trails close due to weather or rockslides.
✅ Wear sturdy shoes – Trails can be muddy and slippery.
✅ Bring a rain jacket – The Gorge is often misty and damp.
✅ Respect nature – Stay on trails and pack out all trash.
✅ Check trail conditions – Some trails close due to weather or rockslides.
✅ Wear sturdy shoes – Trails can be muddy and slippery.
✅ Bring a rain jacket – The Gorge is often misty and damp.
✅ Respect nature – Stay on trails and pack out all trash.
Nearby Attractions in Oregon
If you’re exploring the Columbia River Gorge, consider these nearby attractions:
- Hood River – A charming town known for wineries and windsurfing (20 miles away).
- Mount Hood – Offers hiking, skiing, and stunning mountain views (45 miles away).
- Rowena Crest Viewpoint – A scenic overlook with sweeping views of the Gorge (30 miles away).
Final Thoughts
With majestic waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and breathtaking viewpoints, the Columbia River Gorge is a must-visit for nature lovers. Whether you're chasing waterfalls or enjoying a peaceful hike, this region offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Oregon.
For more Oregon travel guides, check out our Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide and Crater Lake Travel Guide.
