Whether it falls as a simple plunge or more like a thundering cascade, you probably can’t resist a beautiful waterfall. Luckily, when visiting Northern Oregon you don’t have to!
You can explore any one of approximately 40 waterfalls on your next outdoor adventure in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge area. Most of these are found in the “Waterfall Corridor” along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The Corridor is located between Troutdale and Ainsworth State Park and is an area of outstanding beauty.
Not sure where to begin? We’ve put together a list of four waterfalls to get you started. Let’s get going!
Wahkeena Falls
With its sparkling, cascading flow, Wahkeena Falls drops 242-feet to the ground. So, it’s little wonder that the beauty of the falls attracts visitors year after year. In fact, the natural attraction was named after the Yakima Native American word for “most beautiful.” If you find yourself about 13 miles east of Troutdale, walk from the parking lot to the stone bridge tho cross the main part of the falls. (Note: the falls are also visible from the road.) The trail then continues on .7 miles to Lemmon’s Viewpoint (a great place to view the falls) or approximately 1 mile east to Fairy Falls. If you would like more details about the Wahkeena Trail itself, click here.
Parking Location: U.S.30 – HCRH, 0.5 miles west of Multnomah Falls Distance to Falls: .2 miles to the base and .9 miles to Lemmons Viewpoint
Fairy Falls
The fan-shaped Fairy Falls drops just 20 to 30 feet but is still a beautiful sight. The much-photographed gem stems from a spring-fed branch of the Wahkeena Creek as it slides over a 20-foot wall. If you hike to the attraction, you’ll cross the creek directly in front of the falls on a rough plank footbridge. Bring your camera! Double back to the parking lot to drive to the Multnomah Falls Parking Lot, OR, at the parking lot, hike the second trail .5 miles to Multnomah Falls. (The second is recommended on busy days.)
Parking Location: Same as above Distance to Falls: 2.2 miles out-and-back
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural attraction in Oregon. At 635 feet it’s considered by some to be the second-highest continuously flowing waterfall in the U.S.A. The state manages a switchback trail that ascends 100 feet above the falls and descends to an observation deck overlooking the falls. The falls themselves are comprised of a ribbon-like 542-foot upper section that overshadows the 69-foot lower tier. No matter, you’ll want to view both, although the best time to visit the breathtaking site is on a weekday in the cooler, rainy months. Note: The Multnomah Lodge restaurant, gift shop, snack bar, and restrooms are open. Reserve your seasonal timed tickets here. (These are required between 9 am-6 pm daily from 7/20/21 to 9/19/21.)
Parking Location: From Portland, travel east on Interstate 84 to exit #31, Multnomah Falls. Park and walk south, underneath the interstate and railroad tracks to the Lodge and Visitor Center. Distance to Falls: Five-minute walk to the viewing platform (lower falls) or 2.2-mile hike (700-feet elevation gain) to reach the top of the falls.
Horsetail Falls
Rising to 171 feet, the falls were named after their resemblance to the shape of a horse’s tail. The aptly-named falls are accessed via a short walk: a .9-mile out and back trail located near Cascade Locks. You’ll be glad to know that Horsetail Falls empties into a pool which is perfect for wading in or gazing at while meditating. Bring a lunch because there’s a great place to picnic just east of the falls. Note: Parking is found across the highway from the falls.
Parking Location: U.S.30 – HCRH, 2.75 miles east of Multnomah Falls Distance to Falls: .9 miles out-and-back
Photo Credits
Steve Hynes lives with his husband on both coasts of the U.S.A. With his recent bi-coastal move, Steve says that “we are ready for even more hiking, travel, and adventure.” His locations provide him with many opportunities to gather research and photographs for his outdoor travel blog, outoftheoffice4good.com.
Sanket Khedekar likes to travel, discover good food, and capture that perfect photograph. You can find more of his amazing photographs on Instagram at sankhedekargallery.
References
Oregon Hikers: Field Guide-Multnomah Falls
USDA: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area- HCRH (US 30) – Waterfall Corridor
Resources
Travel Oregon: Plan Your Trip