If your group is planning a trip to Oregon we highly suggest you plan time for a waterfall hike, with so many iconic falls and hiking trails scattered throughout the state. There are plenty of options to choose from, whether your group has a full day to dedicate to the hike or just wants a quick breather to stretch their legs.
With the Columbia River Gorge, Willamette and Umpqua National Forests, and coastal region in general, the topography of Oregon was made for stunning waterfalls, from small collections of drops to dizzyingly high plunges.
Some falls are easily seen via your car or bus, but others require a bit of a hike, like the ones below. Check out our top 9 choices for waterfall hikes you need to take during your Oregon outdoor adventure.
1. Toketee Falls
Toketee Falls, located in Umpqua National Forest, is well known for its signature basalt columns surrounding it, the columns created by lava flow in the area hundreds of years ago. Hikers will have the option to see the falls from a distant viewing platform or take a more risqué climb down a steep cliff to get a more up close and personal view. There are guide ropes at different points on the climb, but be careful, the rocks will be slippery!
View this post on Instagram
______________________________________
2. Abiqua Falls
Located in Scott Mills, near Salem, Oregon, the Abiqua Falls will show your group one of the most gorgeous waterfall views in all of Oregon. The 5.3-mile trail to the falls provides ropes in the steeper parts as you follow the creek upstream toward the actual falls. You will have to climb a few logs and boulders to get to the 92-foot falls, the path to this view is a little rockier than others but well worth the trouble.
View this post on Instagram
______________________________________
3. Silver Falls State Park - Trail of 10 Falls
Located about an hour from Portland you will find the stunning Silver Falls State Park, which holds the popular Trail of 10 Falls hike. This is a must-do for waterfall lovers, the 7.6-mile loop allowing you to walk behind four of the ten waterfalls on the path! Pay attention to the scenery on the way to each of the falls, the views are quintessential Oregon!
View this post on Instagram
______________________________________
4. Latourell Falls
Conveniently located near Portland, these gorgeous Columbia River Gorge falls take an impressive 224-foot plunge down, creating an incredibly photogenic scene from the bottom. Take a 2-mile looped hike on Latourell Falls trailhead to the viewing platform for the best front view, then follow a dirt path upwards to see an impressive side view. You can also continue the trail to the Upper Latourell Falls, which provide an additional 120-foot drop.
View this post on Instagram
______________________________________
5. Tumalo Falls
The Tumalo Falls is a busier 6.5-mile out-and-back hike near the Three Sisters Wilderness area, an awe-inspiring area that tops Oregon’s tourist attraction list year after year. While the falls are of course breath-taking, so is the river and spruce forest you will be traversing along the way.
View this post on Instagram
______________________________________
6. Kentucky Falls
Kentucky in Oregon? Don’t let the name confuse you, as Kentucky Falls is one of Oregon’s most beautiful hidden forest fall gems. Located in the midst of Coast Range, this 4.4-mile trail shows off gorgeous views of three different waterfalls, each surrounded by old-growth forest in a remote and almost mystical setting.
View this post on Instagram
______________________________________
7. Tamanawas Falls
This 3.3-mile easy hike will provide your access to the Cold Spring Creek-fed falls, the Tamanawas Falls. Crashing over a 110-foot ‘lava cliff’ near Mount Hood, these gorgeous falls may be even prettier in the winter when the water freezes over. Hike the Tamanawas Falls Trailhead through the forest and enjoy views of wildflowers and the Hood River as you make your way to a large boulder field in front of the falls.
View this post on Instagram
______________________________________
8. Sweet Creek Falls
Located near Mapleton, this easy 2-mile hike will show off the roaring waters of Sweet Creek Falls. The trailhead is well-maintained with stairs and boardwalks along the way, providing easy access even during flood seasons. The colors surrounding the falls will leave you in awe, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing and popping.
View this post on Instagram
______________________________________
9. Multnomah Falls
Last but certainly not least on our list is the Multnomah Falls, the tallest and perhaps most iconic waterfall in the whole state. The well-known and well-used 5-mile loop trailhead starts at Multnomah Falls itself and shows off gorgeous views of the tall trees and lush forest vegetation all along the way. The trail is located just about 30 miles from Portland.
View this post on Instagram
