10 Best Waterfalls In Oregon You Must Visit

The Columbia River Gorge in Northern Oregon and near Portland takes on more than 90 waterfalls. And it’s no wonder, Oregon has the second-most waterfalls per capita in the US just after Washington. A popular getaway destination in the US , the lovely state is packed with some of the breathtaking waterfalls. All these waterfalls in Oregon are too pretty, and you can easily place them in your bucket list. Country-wide visitors come here to enjoy the waterfall hikes that is always a fun thing to do in these best waterfalls in Oregon.

No matter which season you choose to explore these outdoor attractions, each season adds a different and unique view to each waterfall along with the whole terrain. From punch bowl to cascading, and from single to collective, all types of waterfalls drape over Oregon beautifully. Most of these falls are sitting under a forested area. So, you need to cover a small and easy hike. For offering some excellent and easy hiking trails, these falls are also quite popular among families with older kids.

So, here are some of the best waterfalls in Oregon. Must explore these breathtaking and gigantic waterfalls in your next holiday trip.

Table of Contents

1. Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of the busiest, prettiest and famous waterfalls in Oregon. This is the most famous waterfall and is beautifully bejewelled with picturesque setting. The waterfall is very close to Portland. Plunging from 620 feet, this is the tallest waterfall in the state. The location is in the Columbia River Gorge.

The views of the Multnomah Falls from the top make visitors stunned! The multiple tiers are perfect for clicking lots of photos. Though the waterfall looks equally breathtaking from the bridge and the bottom. The bridge divides the falls into two parts, the lower part and the upper part. From the bridge, the upper falls views are just excellent.

In nearby area, you will discover some other waterfalls and mountains which equally drag attention of each visitor. Willing visitors can also hike to the Benson Bridge for having a better view. This is one of the best family-friendly hikes in Oregon.

2. Toketee Falls

Located inside Umpqua National Forest, Toketee Falls is an iconic waterfall that plunges from 120 feet upon the North Umpqua River. It is a less congested area. To reach the waterfall, visitors need two hours from Eugene. Also, this waterfall is very close to Watson Falls.

Because of the existing columnar basalt, upon which the falls drops, Toketee Falls looks more vibrant and enchanting. The 0.9-mile roundtrip hike starts from the parking area at the Toketee Falls trailhead. After completing this hike, visitors are able to watch the mesmerising views of the upper Toketee Falls.

Hiking at the bottom will not be a good option. The lower hike is a little bit of difficult and you need good fitness to cover this extremely steep hike.

Nearby attractions include the 172-mile Rogue-Umpqua National scenic Bayway and Crater Lake National Park. The place gives one of the most photographic views, and aspiring photographers love to explore these sites.

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3. South Falls

Silver Falls State Park which is a stretch of 9,200 acres area, is home to seven Oregon waterfalls and South Falls is one among those pretty waterfalls. In fact, South Falls is the most popular among them. The waterfall plunges from 177 feet in the thundering cascade form and drops into a dark pool.

The state park is itself a beautiful day trip destination in Oregon. Also, the state park is a short drive from Salem.

To have a unique view, take the behind trail. It is an easy and short trail, only 0.4 km hike. You can snap beautiful photos along the way. Plus, you can access the falls at different points to grab unique viewpoints.

Moreover, the state park offers a playground, a dog park and picnic tables. Campgrounds and RV sites are also available here. Must attend the trail, named Trail of Ten Falls. This trail covers all waterfalls within Silver Falls State Park. If you want to enjoy a unique stay, head to Smith Creek Village. Cottages and lodges are available here. Plus you can access a restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch.

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4. Watson Falls

Watson Falls is the largest waterfall in southwest Oregon. This waterfall is also located inside the Umpqua National Forest. It’s only thirty miles north of Crater Lake National Forest. Watson Falls plunges from 293 feet over a basalt lava flow on Watson Creek.

Talking about the waterfall hike, it starts from a parking area near the base of Watson Falls. And it’s about 0.4-mile moderate level hike.

You can feel the power of Watson Falls, only when you visit this beautiful waterfall. Here visitors are able to experience all types of outdoor fun things. The entire terrain is a popular place for the exposure of worthy photography.

Situated along the North Umpqua River Valley, Watson Falls is capable of providing a variety of amenities that include campsites, picnic areas, benches and many other necessary things. Bird-watching is popular among visitors. Here you can see different types of birds. And passionate photographers don’t miss the chance to capture theses nice moments into their camera.

For camping, head to Douglas County. Best time to visit Watson Falls is during spring time. In spring, you will see the terrain has become more greener and more colourful. Nature decorates the terrain with fresh natural elements like vine maples, hemlocks and grape plants. The mild fragrance will certainly melt your heart!

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5. Proxy Falls

The remote location of Proxy Falls makes it one of the best waterfalls to visit in Oregon. The hike is of moderate grade. Travelers need to cover 1.5-mile loop trail. Visitors are permitted to take their dogs along the trail.

The waterfall hike starts from the Willamette National Forest. Remember, the hike is not ADA accessible. And don’t forget to wear proper shoes as the places gets little slippery at times.

This breathtaking waterfall in Central Oregon is one of the top sites to visit among families and elderly people.

Also, one of the hidden waterfalls in Oregon, the 6,000 years old Proxy Falls is just 1.5 hours from Bend, and it’s located inside a dense forested area. Don’t forget to collect permit when you are parking your vehicle.

Proxy Falls is divided into two parts-lower Proxy Falls and upper Proxy Falls. Lower falls is more gigantic and the upper falls is a tranquil site. The lower part is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Oregon. Steep path is to be covered to reach the lower falls.

The upper falls is less than 0.5-mile from the lower falls. The first waterfall on the hike is the lower falls. Both waterfalls are equally gorgeous and you should not miss any of these falls.

6. Ramona Falls

This is a cascading waterfall nestled in the Mount Hood National Forest. The hike to Ramona Falls is much suitable for experienced hikers as the hike has been rated as of difficult grade. The hike is accessible from the trailhead and the distance is of 3.5 miles.

Along the trail visitors are able to watch the flow of the Sandy River. In fact, the trail’s name is Sandy River Trail. There is no footbridge to cross the river. But visitors usually make the fallen trees as their nature-provided bridge.

The water of the river looks grey, but don’t you worry. The water is not dirty, it’s its actual suit. After finishing the hike, you’ll reach the desired waterfall which keeps flowing continuously with it’s clean and clear water.

Ramona Falls is nearly 50 miles east of Portland. Summer is the season when more crowd gather here for experiencing this beautiful Oregon waterfall.

Camping is allowed in the terrain, but you will not find any amenities because of the remote area. So, you may skip this spot from camping. Photography is a good option. You can span lots of landscape photos. Altogether, this is one of the best epic waterfall hikes in Oregon.

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7. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the easiest hiking waterfalls in Oregon. Also, this waterfall is located on the west of the Columbia River Gorge Permit Zone. This is the reason, this waterfall is a great day-trip outdoor destination among families with kids. Bridal Veil Falls is very popular among both locals and tourists. The very short hike from the trailhead, rewards visitors with this incredible waterfall views. This is a popular picnic spot, too.

This one of the most family-friendly Oregon waterfalls is accessible through two trails. The lower trail leads to the falls and the upper trail gives stunning views of the entire surroundings. You might also choose the half-mile long Overlook Trail.

The trail also gives the access to watch the mesmerising views of the Columbia River. Visitors can actually get many different perspectives of the surroundings when they are hiking the famous Bridal Veil Falls.

For lodging, Bridal Veil Lodge is a nice place.

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8. Salt Creek Falls

This incredible waterfall is closely 23 miles southeast of Oakridge. Located inside Willamette National Forest, Salt Creek Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in Oregon that plunges from 286 feet and fall into a basin. Salt Creek Falls is one of the few falls which you can enjoy from the parking area.

To hike the waterfall, choose either an interpretive trail or a steeper spur trail. If you visit the site in winter, you can enjoy the Salt Creek Snow-Park and nearby terrain which gets fully covered with white snow and make it a snow-land!

Visitors who want to get the extreme level of eye-soothing views, the gravel loop trail is perfect for them. This trail provides four different types of viewpoints. Nearby top attraction is McCredit Hot Springs. Don’t miss it.

9. Abiqua Falls

Abiqua Falls is located inside a private property. It is a lesser known waterfall. Plus the hike is little difficult. It might be little hard to reach the falls. An experienced hiker with a good navigation strength can enjoy the stretch of this waterfall hike.

The plus point is the area never gets over crowded. So, you have higher chance to experience this hidden gem with serenity and peacefulness. The falls is close to Silver Falls State Park. From Abiqua Falls trailhead, it is only 0.7-mile hike to the waterfall. But many of the visitors prefer to cover 5-mile roundtrip hike to reach Abiqua Falls. And remember, parking at the trailhead requires a high-clearance vehicle, otherwise you have to park further up.

There is a rope tied to the tree that helps visitors reach to the falls with safety. The entire trail is covered with uneven rocks and mud. Be little extra careful. At last, you reach to the scenic waterfall. The grace is well worth the effort.

For staying, Camp Dakota is a good option. It provides a forested campground along with a park.

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10. Punch Bowl Falls

In Weekends, Punch Bowl Falls gets extremely crowded. It is an excellent day-trip among families and locals. Punch Bowl Falls is on Eagle Creek Trail within the Columbia River Gorge. The waterfall is 35 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Hiking from this creek to Punch Bowl is an amazing experience. This hiking trail is a popular swimming hole throughout the summer season. But remember, cliff jumping is prohibited here.

The terrain is surrounded by lush green vegetation. This hike is also pet-friendly. Throughout the trail, visitors are able to watch many other outstanding attractions. This waterfall hike is one of the best hikes in Oregon that allows visitors to watch some other incredible waterfalls, too, and Metlako Falls is one of these incredible waterfalls.

FAQs

1. Where is the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon?

Located close to Portland, just a 30-minute journey from the city, Multnomah Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon. The famous Oregon waterfall plunges from 620 feet. Also, this is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon.

2. What is the most powerful waterfall in Oregon?

Multnomah Falls is the most powerful waterfall in Oregon. Tumbling from 620 feet height, this beautiful waterfall is the state’s one of the most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can easily catch the views of this waterfall from the Multnomah Creek Bridge, which crosses the falls.

3. What park in Oregon has 10 waterfalls?

Silver Falls State Park houses 10 waterfalls, some scenic trails, and amazing viewing points. Though visitors can’t explore all these waterfalls, and only three to four waterfalls are easy to access.