Just 30 miles east of Portland, Oregon along the Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular waterfall hotspot. Within a day, visitors can explore up to 15 breathtaking waterfalls. This daytrip is great anytime of the year, but especially wonderful in the spring and autumn to avoid the tourist season. This year during the last week of October, I had an awesome Oregon Waterfalls Tour, seeing 8 waterfalls among the vibrant fall foliage along the classic Columbia Gorge Highway.
Firstly, it’s interesting to know geologically why the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge is such a waterfall hotspot. The Oregon side is much steeper than the northern side in Washington. This is mostly because the bedrock is tilting south, with landslides lessening the slopes in WA. Therefore, the Oregon’s steep cliffs and the plentiful precipitation create the perfect climate and geology for breathtaking waterfalls.
Historic and Scenic Columbia River Highway
The 75-mile scenic Columbia River Highway was completed in 1922 mostly above 1-84 along the Oregon side of Columbia Gorge. It takes you on winding roads through vistas and stops along the way for hiking trails, waterfalls and beautiful scenery. Most of the incredible waterfalls are along this highway.
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Top 8 Oregon Waterfalls Tour
Columbia Gorge
Multnomah Falls
Type: Plunge
Height: 620 Ft
The amazing Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall and most visited site. With 2 grandiose tiers this majestic treasure also has a footbridge over the creek between the upper and lower falls. The platform is very close, allowing spectacular views and there is even a 10-minute paved path to the footbridge showcasing the upper falls above and lower falls below.
It’s best to visit during off season when the crowds are less. Plus, the water volume is at its peak in spring and fall. In the busy summer, visitor’s need a reservation. Overall, this site is good for families and children, with restrooms, parking, snacks and the nearby Multnomah Lodge for a longer stay.
Horsetail Falls
Type: Horsetail
Height: 176 Ft
This narrow stream of horsetail falls is lovely and easily accessible just 2.5 miles east of Multnomah. From the road there is a platform to see the waterfall and there are steps down to the water level to see it up closer from that perspective.
Latourell Falls
Type: Plunge
Height: 249
Located at Guy W. Talbot State Park, this awesome waterfall is a 10-minute walk from the park’s picnic area. This waterfall plunges over the gorge basalt and even more, its accessible to walk up very close over rocks to the falls. Also, the upper falls (75-100 feet) is .8-mile from Latourell Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Type: Tiered
Height: Upper Falls: 60-100 Ft
Lower Falls: 50-60 Ft.
At Bridal Veil Falls State Park, the upper trail takes visitors around the precipice of the cliffs of the Gorge. The lower trail takes visitors downhill to the base of Bridal Veil Falls and is about a mile round trip to the falls and back.
The trail starts from the parking lot and gets steep with some switchbacks. Also, the path crosses over Bridal Veil Creek and goes to a viewing platform of the falls. There is an option to walk over a more rugged path on rocks below to get very near the falls. The woodlands are lush surrounding the falls with abundant trees, plants, moss and lichens.
Sheppards Dell Falls
Type: Tiered
Height: Upper Falls – 35-50 Ft
Lower Falls – 40-60 Ft
From Sheppards Dell State Park, this waterfall is visible from the bridge crossing. The upper falls is a plunge type and the lower falls is a horsetail.
Wahclella Falls
Type: Tiered
Height: Upper Falls – 15-26 Ft
Lower Falls – 50-70 Ft
The Tanner Creek Trail (approx. 1 mile) takes you to these falls. The hike is nice taking you along Tanner Creek by a plunge type Munra Waterfall and through a lush slot canyon. It does get quite steep and narrow in sections, but worth the walk to these beautiful falls.
Wahkeena “Most Beautiful” Falls
Type: Tiered
Height: 242 Ft
These falls are visible from the roadside. It has many tiers and you can receive a better perspective from the short hiking trail up to see a gushing tier and the many below along a bridge.
Fairy Falls
Type: Fan
Height: 20 – 30 Ft
From the Wahkeena trailhead, the trail along Wahkeena Creek is about 1.1 mile to the Fairy Falls. Also, the trailhead is at Wahkeena Falls.
Enjoy Oregon Waterfalls Tour!
This waterfall hotspot is an absolute gem with more than a dozen breathtaking falls. If you plan it right, you could see my top 8 for the area in just one day because they are all conveniently located so close to each other. Even more they are close to the scenic Columbia Highway making for an overall incredible journey. Autumn is a favorite time to go, but all seasons offer their unique perspective of these beautiful falls.
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