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I moved to Portland, Oregon in October of 2022. And I finally got to see some of the best waterfalls near Portland Oregon. Prepare yourself, there are a LOT of incredible Pacific Northwest waterfalls on this list and it is truly hard to pick a favorite. I’ll be covering quick scenic waterfall stops. But I’ll also be covering a full waterfall road trip itinerary for Oregon. There’s definitely something for everyone on this list of waterfalls in Oregon. Let’s get into it!

Photos in Collaboration with Johnathon DeSoto

Where are the Best Waterfalls Near Portland Oregon?

Here’s a quick overview of the areas I’ll be covering. And a map view so you can see which waterfalls make the most sense for your trip.

My most recent road trip was a waterfall tour of as many as possible of the waterfalls near Multnomah Falls. The Oregon side of the Columbia River Highway alone has over 90 waterfalls. Maybe one day I’ll make it to all of them. But for now, here are some of the most scenic waterfalls to visit.

Columbia River Gorge – Highway 30 Waterfalls

As mentioned, my most recent trip was just focused on highway 30 outside of Portland. So here is a quick map view of what that waterfall road trip from Portland looked like:

15 Waterfalls Near Portland Oregon:

1. Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls is one of the closest waterfalls to Portland Oregon. It is a very easy walk up or hike with both views from the base of the falls and higher up. I’ve already visited this falls twice since moving to Portland. So, I think it’s safe to say this is a favorite of mine. It is located within Guy W. Talbot State Park. The waterfall is 249ft tall and has lots of visible columnar basalt.

Details:

• 40 minutes from Portland. Directions HERE.
• Hike Details: 2 mile loop with 639 ft of elevation gain. However, you can also just do the first part of the hike or just go to the upper view point which is less than 0.2 miles. Easy-Moderate difficulty.
• Parking Pass: None Required
• Pets Allowed?: Dogs are allowed on leash
• Restrooms available at Trailhead

2. Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint

This short and sweet waterfall hike really surprised me. The trail is paved for the first section and then crosses over a creek on a scenic bridge. There are both views of the falls from the creek as well as from a viewing platform. A very underrated falls in my opinion! Bridal Veil Falls is 120 ft tall and has 2 drops.

Details Waterfalls Near Portland Oregon:

• 35 minutes from Portland. Directions HERE.
• Hike Details: 0.5 mile out and back trail with 78 ft of elevation gain. Considered easy.
• Parking Pass: None Required
• Pets Allowed?: Dogs are allowed on leash
• Restrooms available at trail head

3. Wahkeena Falls & Fairy Falls | Waterfalls Near Portland Oregon

This 242 ft tall, cascading waterfall is very close to the most famous waterfall in Oregon – Multnomah Falls. The parking area is SMALL and part of a day use area with more parking was closed off. We got the LAST parking spot around 10am on a Monday. I love that this trail allows you to get really close to the falls and is incredibly scenic with all of the moss. If you want an easier hike, just see Wahkeena Falls. But if you’re on a mission to collect waterfall views, continue for another mile to see Fairy Falls.

Details:

• 45 minutes from Portland. Directions HERE.
• Hike Details: about 0.7 miles one way to Wahkeena Falls and 3.1 miles for full out and back with Fairy Falls. Elevation gain for full trail is 915 feet.
• Parking Pass: from May 26-September 4th, a timed-use permit is required for the Waterfall Corridor. This includes Wahkeena, Multnomah and Horsetail Falls. Reserve a permit HERE. Outside of those dates, no pass is required.
• Pets Allowed? Dogs are allowed on leash!
• Restrooms are available if the Wahkeena Day Use Area is open.

Note: Even with a timed-use permit, it still does not guarantee a parking spot. Multnomah Falls has a much larger parking area with shuttles. If there is no parking available at Wahkeena, I recommend parking at Multnomah and hiking the 0.5 mile trail that connects the two.

4. Multnomah Falls

This was my first experience in Oregon. I was wrapping up a month long trip from Michigan to Seattle to move, and had never laid eyes on the Pacific Northwest until this point. I remember being so blown away by the scale of Multnomah Falls. And it kind of felt like I was in a Lord of the Rings Movie haha. Of all the waterfalls near Portland Oregon, this one is a MUST see. Of course it is crowded and can be kind of chaotic with all the people, but its popular for a reason.

Things to know to visit Multnomah Falls:

• 45 minutes from Portland. Must use exit 31 between May 26th-September 4th to show permit.
• Hike Details: Walk up view to lower falls. 2.6 miles and 813 feet of elevation gain if completing the entire trail.
• Parking Pass: from May 26-September 4th, a timed-use permit is required for the Waterfall Corridor. This includes Wahkeena, Multnomah and Horsetail Falls. Reserve a permit HERE. Outside of those dates, no pass is required.
• Pets Allowed? Dogs are allowed on leash!
• Restrooms and Food is available here! If you didn’t pack a lunch, this is a good place to have a snack.

5. Horsetail & Ponytail Falls

I had never heard of these falls, but saw it on google maps and wanted to check it out! Horsetail is great in that its an easy walk up spot across the parking lot. And Ponytail Falls requires a hike up, which meant less people. I did not expect the trail to go behind the waterfall like this. It made the experience really fun and unique and we were so glad we hiked there!

• 50 minutes from Portland. Directions HERE.
• Hike Details: about 0.9 miles round trip with 331 ft of elevation gain.
• Parking Pass: from May 26-September 4th, a timed-use permit is required for the Waterfall Corridor. This includes Wahkeena, Multnomah and Horsetail Falls. Reserve a permit HERE. Outside of those dates, no pass is required.
• Pets Allowed? Dogs are allowed on leash!
• There are no restrooms at this location.

6. Elowah Falls

Of all the Waterfalls near Portland Oregon, Elowah Falls has been my absolute favorite! I think it was the combination of a few things. But first, we were the only ones there which was so refreshing after so many busy waterfall trails that day. And second, it just felt like we were in a different country. It reminded me of all the photos I see from Iceland with that dark volcanic rock. The trail here is pretty steep and a bit ominous as it is through a burned forest. But I think it makes the reveal even better.

Elowah Falls Details:

• 50 minutes from Portland. Directions HERE.
• Hike Details: about 1.5 miles round trip with 600 ft of elevation gain. And this trail is rated Moderate difficulty.
• Parking Pass: No pass required
• Pets Allowed? Dogs are allowed on leash!
• There are no restrooms at this location.

7. Wahclella Falls

Wahclella is a personal favorite of mine. I visited three times within a couple months! It’s a short hike that has charming bridges and also has several other waterfalls along the way. Like most of the waterfalls near Portland on this list, the parking area is small and fills up fast!

• 50 minutes from Portland. Directions HERE.
• Hike Details: about 1.9 miles round trip with 223 ft of elevation gain. This trail is rated Moderate difficulty.
• Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass or $5 fee at trailhead (CASH)
• Pets Allowed? Yes, dogs are allowed on leash!
• There are outhouses at this location.

8. Hole-in-the-Wall Falls & Cabin Creek Falls

It is hard to tell from these photos, but this Near-Portland Waterfall is in fact coming out of a hole in the wall haha! It’s a short hike on a very accessible paved path. Unfortunately the trail is right next to the highway, so it is VERY loud. It definitely wasn’t a very peaceful experience, but once to the falls it was quiet. This is part of Starvation Creek State Park and this trail has several waterfalls if you have the time! Cabin Creek Falls is on the trail to Hole in The Wall Falls.

• 1 hour from Portland. Directions HERE.
• Hike Details: about 2.1 miles round trip with 200 ft of elevation gain. This trail is rated easy difficulty. I liked that the paved trail allows increased access for anyone that wants to visit!
• Parking Pass: No pass required
• Are my Pets Allowed? Dogs are allowed on leash!
• There are restrooms at this location!

9. Tunnel Falls, Twister Falls & Punch Bowl Falls

Tunnel Falls and the hike to get there absolutely blew me away. We counted 21 waterfalls before even getting to Tunnel Falls. This hike IS challenging and we dedicated a whole day to doing this hike, but I promise it is worth it. If you are very afraid of heights, be warned that there are exposed cliff sections. I don’t love heights but felt safe using the cables that are there.

• Eagle Creek Trailhead is about 1 hour from Portland. Directions HERE.
• Hike Details: 13 miles round trip with 2070 ft of elevation gain. This trail is rated moderate difficulty. I will say, the elevation is very spread out. I never really felt like we were hiking uphill often. Just the endurance of walking 13 miles was the challenge for me.
• Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass, $5 day pass available at visitor center near trailhead CASH ONLY. I bought a day pass online and printed it out the day before.
• Pets Allowed? Dogs are allowed on leash!
• There are restrooms at this location!

10. Silver Falls State Park: Trail of Ten Falls

The Trail of Ten Falls is a great way to knock out a lot of Waterfalls near Portland Oregon! Because… you guessed it, it has TEN waterfalls on one trail. I went when conditions were just a tad bit too icy to fully do the full trail. So, I need to go back soon to experience the whole thing myself. But it has a variety of beautiful waterfalls and unique features and viewpoints. One part of the trail actually takes you behind a waterfall. It is incredibly scenic and I plan to take my parents here when they are in town!

• Silver Falls State Park is about 1 hour from Portland. Directions HERE.
• Hike Details: 7.4 miles round trip on a loop trail with 1,151 ft of elevation gain. I like that the elevation is spread out over this trail, and it is rated moderate difficulty.
• Parking Pass: There is a day-use parking pass required for Silver Falls. And it is $5 and can be purchased at many of the trailheads and booths. Cash or Card.
• Are Pets Allowed? Dogs are NOT allowed here
• There are restrooms at this location! As well as a gift shop and cafe.

Best Time to Visit Waterfalls Near Portland Oregon!

I truly don’t think there is a bad time to visit the waterfalls in Oregon, as long as you’re prepared! If you are wanting peak water flow, visit when the snow melt is at its highest. This is typically around mid-late Spring. I visited most of these waterfalls in late April and had great conditions. While some of the trails were muddy, I did not need to use microspikes due to icy conditions.

And regardless of what month you visit, I always recommend getting to the trailhead as early as possible to secure parking! And it’s even better if you can plan your visit for a weekday instead of the weekend.

Spring

Late March-May will give you some of the highest water flow from the snow melt. As it approaches summer, the water flow will dramatically decrease. You will want to be prepared for possible icy conditions that may still be present. And Spring still has only moderate crowds compared to the summer time when the most visitors are passing through. Another perk is that the waterfall corridor permits do not start until May 26th, so you can freely visit any waterfall without need prior timed-entry.

Be sure to pack your rain coat and waterproof boots!

Summer

You’ll have the nicest weather during the summer months. But, you’ll also be dealing with the most crowds. And unfortunately at these waterfalls, parking is VERY limited. And, if you are coming in the summer months, be sure to reserve your timed-entry pass for the Waterfall Corridor in advance! I recommend getting to the trails as early as you can! Another tip is to schedule your visit during the weekdays.

A new permit system has rolled out in 2022, so now from May 26-September 4th a timed-use permit is required for the Waterfall Corridor. This includes Wahkeena, Multnomah and Horsetail Falls. Reserve a permit HERE. And outside of those dates, no pass is required.

Fall

Visiting the Oregon Waterfalls in Autumn is another great time to visit. One, because the crowds have decreased significantly. Two, there tends to be more rainfall this time of year, making the water flow more intensely. You’ll want to bring a rain jacket, waterproof boots, and potentially microspikes if there has already been some freezing temperatures. I recommend reading the trail reports on AllTrails

Winter

Some of these waterfall views and hikes are great to visit in the winter. I do not recommend doing any of the longer hikes unless you are a skilled winter hiker. Safety with winter hiking is very important as ice and avalanche risks are all factors to consider. But, Multnomah Falls in the winter can be so stunning and have hardly any crowds!

Where to Stay When Visiting the Waterfalls Near Portland Oregon:

I have a few recommendations as there are multiple options because of how close most of these are to Portland and Hood River. If you are here visiting Oregon and haven’t spent much time in Portland, I’d recommend the Portland options. That way you can explore the city and the nature. But if you’re already familiar with Portland, I recommend Hood River as a charming getaway.

Hood River Recommendations:

Hood River is a charming city of about 8,000 people. It sits right along the Columbia River and has many brewery and dining options. Visit the Mount Hood Railroad and schedule a scenic ride!

1. Hood River Hotel

I loved staying here for two nights! It is the oldest hotel in Hood River dating back to 1888 and has SO much charm as well as a restaurant and bar on site!

2. Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa

If you’re wanting more of a luxury get away, the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa is the place! I’ve yet to stay here, but it is a famous getaway in the area right on the river.

Portland Recommendations:

1. KEX Hotel

KEX is a fun, affordable hotel that offers bunk rooms and private rooms! The well known, Pacific Standard cocktail bar is attached and is one of my favorite places for happy hour!

2. Jupiter NEXT

I have stayed here multiple times now and love the location, nearby restaurants, views and attached bar! If you’re wanting to see more of Portland, this is a great location.

Nearby Destinations!

I have so many other Oregon adventure recommendations! There are endless outdoor sights to see here. Check out my other guides:

Conclusion: Waterfalls Near Portland Oregon

As you can see, there are SO many waterfall sights and hikes near Portland. It is an incredible place to visit year round. And I highly recommend any of these waterfalls. You don’t have to see them all to experience the beauty here, but I also wouldn’t judge you if you did!

And if you are short on time, my top recommendations from this post are:

1. Multnomah Falls
2. Latourell Falls
3. Wahclella Falls
4. OR Trail of Ten Falls

I would love to hear your thoughts and which waterfalls I’ve missed! I know there are still plenty for me to get out and see and I can’t wait to keep sharing more of my new home!

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