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This waterfall is 249 feet tall and just a short hike from the parking lot. Latourell Falls is another must-see waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge area. It’s undoubtedly one of the waterfall hikes near Portland you must do! Latourell Falls The 1.2-mile trail is moderate in difficulty and is well-maintained. Fairy Fallsįairy Falls is another must-see destination for hikers looking for the best waterfall hikes in Oregon, with a trail that leads to a small but beautiful waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. You start the hike from Horsetail Falls and wind up around it. Visitors can walk through a unique tunnel behind the waterfall for a truly memorable experience. The trail is about 1.5 miles and takes visitors through a lush forest to a cascading waterfall that flows over a basalt cliff and falls into a small pool. Ponytail Falls is a relatively easy hike that offers a unique view of the waterfall. The falls are roaring in the springtime, soaking those who venture down to the water’s edge. This is a perfect waterfall for families with little kids and those just looking for a quick stop. Right off the Historic Columbia River Hwy sits Horsetail Falls. And while this is a short trail, I still favor it as one of the best waterfall hikes in Oregon. The trail is well-maintained and provides several scenic viewpoints of the waterfall and surrounding landscape.
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The waterfall plunges 118 feet into a tranquil pool, and the surrounding area is an excellent spot for a picnic lunch. Bridal Veil Fallsīridal Veil Falls is a 1.2-mile hike through the Columbia River Gorge’s lush forests. This is one of the few waterfalls in this area, so stop by when near Mt. The waterfall drops 100 feet into a tranquil pool, and visitors can dip in the refreshing water on a hot summer day. The trail is well-maintained and offers beautiful views of the forest and the surrounding mountains. Hood National Forest and is a 3.5-mile hike through an old-growth forest and along a glacier-fed stream. With so many waterfall hikes near Portland to choose from, this one’s short but sweet and highly recommended. Several picnic areas and benches along the way make it an excellent spot for a picnic lunch. The trail is steep in some areas, but the scenery is worth the effort. The hike to the falls is about 0.6 miles and takes visitors through cascades and pools, perfect for photography. Wahkeena Falls is another impressive waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge area.
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Here, you’ll find more economical rates, and for only driving 30 minutes, it’s not a bad trade-off. Some Bed and Breakfasts are right near the waterfalls, but the best bet for lodging is in eastern Portland. Where to stay for the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls If you’re looking for the best waterfall hikes in Oregon, you won’t be disappointed by the diverse range of options, from easy walks like Latourell Falls to more challenging trails like the Trail of Ten Falls. Day pack with rain cover (I filtered to have rain covers included in this search).If you’re going to do the waterfall hikes near Portland, expect a lot of rain! Here’s some gear you’ll need to adventure in potentially rainy Oregon. We’ll dive inside the most famous waterfall in Oregon and some of the less visited gems throughout the state! The Best Waterfalls in Oregon Packing suggestions for Oregon’s Waterfalls That’s the best combination: Good views and not a lot of time driving. So after reading about the best waterfall hikes in Oregon, add these to your Google Maps and start planning an adventure.Īdditionally, the Columbia River Gorge waterfall hikes near Portland are perfect for a memorable day trip without breaking the bank or spending much time driving. But these genuinely have blown me away and, while popular, are still so worth visiting. Which, to be honest, is a bit wild! Even on a list of 13 of the best waterfalls in Oregon, I still feel I’m leaving some off (and indeed am). I’m not sure who decided to give Oregon the most ridiculously beautiful waterfalls in America, but here we are! Of course, you could plan a weeks-long road trip and maybe not get to all of them.
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