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Waterfalls Near Portland
Just miles from Portland, you can explore dozens of majestic waterfalls.
Where it rains, it pours — waterfalls, that is. A great side effect of the Portland area’s wet winter weather is a steady stream of cascades running throughout the region. (Many of these breathtaking sites are only a short shuttle bus or scenic bike ride away, to boot.) Get your fill of natural wonders at these waterfalls near Portland.
Know Before You Go
Travelers should be aware of closures affecting the Historic Columbia River Highway (also known as U.S. Route 30):
– A section of the highway west of Multnomah Falls will be closed for improvements Oct. 1, 2024–May 26, 2025. Access to the Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls will remain open via Interstate 84. Details are available via ODOT.
– An additional section of the highway is closed between Portland Women’s Forum and Vista House, just east of East Larch Mountain Road, due to safety concerns following recent roadway settling. Through users can continue to use Interstate 84; Northeast Corbett Hill Road and East Bridal Veil Road remain open, allowing access to destinations along the route. ODOT’s Trip Check site can provide the latest information.
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
Fed by glaciers and swollen by snowmelt and prodigious winter rains, the waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area — an 80-mile-long (129 km) swath carved out by ancient floodwaters — plunge from sheer cliffs, hidden slot canyons and rock grottos rimmed by massive trees and moss in a thousand shades of emerald and jade. In all, 90 major cascades flow here, alongside countless other smaller falls. Luckily for visitors, many of these misty gems can be reached year-round, either by short hikes or from roadside pullouts on the Historic Columbia River Highway, which parallels Interstate 84.
Know Before You Go
Before you head out, check with USFS for the most up-to-date information on alerts, conditions and trail closures.
Multnomah Falls
One of the most picturesque places in Oregon, Multnomah Falls is worth the crowds. With accessible and more rugged trails, come for a picnic, a hillside hike, or a snapshot on your way through the Gorge.
Latourell Falls
Usually the first falls that visitors encounter in the Columbia River Gorge, Latourell Falls is found off exit 22 on Interstate 84, just east of the must-see views of Crown Point and along a 2.1-mile (3.4 km) loop where hikers can watch it drop straight down, 224 feet (68 m). It’s just a short walk to the lower falls, but a tougher uphill hike brings more daring explorers closer to the upper falls. Flowing strongest in winter and spring, Latourell gets a bit of sun in the summer, making for photos that are just as stunning.
Bridal Veil Falls
Located 27 miles (43 km) east of Portland — just off Interstate 84, or just another mile east of Latourell Falls on the the Historic Columbia River Highway — the misty, white Bridal Veil Falls consists of a pair of quick cascades that are well worth the short but steep half-mile hike to the viewing platform. An upper trail also leads to cliffs that reveal great views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Wahkeena Falls and Fairy Falls
With a viewing platform off of the historic highway, you can admire Wahkeena Falls from afar or hike up switchbacks to see its three tiers up close and also catch great views of the Columbia River Gorge. A moderate hike, not for the faint of heart, takes you to the top of the falls. And if you dare, you can continue the climb to Fairy Falls, also known as “Ghost Falls,” when the sun hits the water just right.
Horse Tail Falls
An easy, low-elevation loop trail takes you to Horse Tail Falls and Ponytail Falls. Just step away from the highway, and you are transported through the mineral layers of ancient lava flows with cascading water.
Gorgeous Gorge
From hiking, to biking, to farm fresh foods the Columbia River Gorge has a lot to offer.
Crown Point Vista House
Called the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge, the Crown Point Vista House is a century-old observatory, rest stop and museum. Enjoy a 360-degree of the gorge and a bird’s-eye view of the Columbia River.
Two Days in the Columbia River Gorge
Savor the views and flavor of Hood River and the scenic gorge with this 48-hour itinerary.
Bonneville Dam
Admire wonders of engineering and migrating salmon at this historic landmark on the Columbia River.
Waterfalls in Other Areas
Ramona Falls
Tucked away in Mount Hood National Forest, Ramona Falls drapes like a 120-foot (37 m) near-sheer curtain over the basalt rock face beneath, a gorgeous midpoint for a seven-mile (11 km) round-trip hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. The waterfall is located 57 miles (92 km) from Portland, attracting campers and day-trippers alike. (Keep in mind that wilderness restrictions apply in this area — to reach it, permits are required from mid-May to mid-October.)
Willamette Falls
A quick 20-mile (32 km) drive southeast of Portland to Oregon’s first capital city, Oregon City, will bring you to Willamette Falls. Find several viewpoints of the falls from an amble along Canemah Bluff Walk to a pull-off on Hwy-99 E to an aerial view with a picture-perfect frame of Mt. Hood off of I-205 N.
Silver Falls
A 60-mile (97 km) drive south of Portland in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Silver Falls State Park is a popular spot for hikers because of its Trail of Ten Falls. An 8.7-mile (14 km) loop, the trail is only moderately difficult, and though it can get crowded (especially in the spring when flows are heaviest), it provides 12 months of waterfall watching. The park has plenty of campgrounds, picnic spots, and a historic lodge that’s open 365 days per year. There are also four waterfalls that you can walk behind, so be sure to dress for the chance of getting wet.
Credit: Kelvin Kay via Flickr
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