Within a short distance of Portland, Oregon you can find one of the most botanically-rich places on all of the west coast. Home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails and a historic scenic highway, one of the best things to do in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is chase waterfalls.
The Oregon Side of the Columbia River Gorge
Beings it’s in close proximity to the capital of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a popular recreation spot for Oregonians and visitors alike. While the Columbia River separates the borders of Oregon and Washington, the Oregon side dons more botanical-like features. The steepness of the cliffs bowing to the gorge allows the perfect atmosphere for multiple cascading waterfalls.
Due to natural hazards, many of the trails on the Columbia River Gorge are closed. Click here to check current trail statuses.
The Waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge
Dubbed the natural botanical conservatory of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is home to over 25 waterfalls, though some require lengthy hikes. Along the main stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway, most of the waterfalls are accessible by a parking area or a short hike.
Use the map below as a reference to the waterfalls in this post:
Metlako Falls & Punch Bowl Falls
Accessed by hike only, you can view the Metlako Falls 1.5 miles in via the Eagle Creek Trail #440. Metlako was named after a Native American legend for the Goddess of salmon. Punch Bowl Falls is about 0.6 miles past Metlako via the same trail.
Wahclella Falls
The second highest waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge is this gem, Wahclella Falls. About 1 mile in through the canyon, you’ll come up close and personal with the tiered waterfall with a 350 first drop and a 60 foot lower drop into a shallow pool. You may even get a peek at the East Fork Falls from a distance about halfway through the trail.
Elowah Falls & Upper McCord Creek Falls
While these waterfalls will require a bit more effort to get to, they’re totally worth the extra jaunt. Located within the John B. Yeon State Park, hike 0.7 miles in to the colorful mossy Elowah Falls. A half mile further on the same trail will take you to the double-tiered Upper McCord Creek Falls.
Horsetail Falls & Ponytail Falls
One of the more picturesque waterfalls on the Columbia River Gorge is this 175 foot satiny plunge. Horsetail Falls is easily accessible by the parking area just off of the Historic Columbia River Highway.
While this area is the start for many trailheads, the only one that is currently open is to Ponytail Falls, the upper portion of Horsetail.
Another exquisitely magical waterfall, the trail to Ponytail Falls continues on under the cliff. Sit and listen as the gushing water spills out into the watering hole below.
Upper Oneonta Falls
And for the trail I’ve been attempting to visit for 2 consecutive summers now, the Oneonta Gorge. This area has been described as the most stunning natural outdoor botanical conservatory in the US.
I’m still absolutely gutted that these trails are inaccessible indefinitely but it will be the first thing I do when they open back up!
Multnomah Falls
On to the most popular tourist destination not only in the Columbia River Gorge but in all of Oregon itself.
That’s right, Multnomah Falls is the most visited scenic site in the entire state. It’s also the second highest year-round waterfall in all of the U.S. at 620 feet.
To escape the scores of crowds at the ground level viewing deck, make the trek uphill towards the bridge. Once at the top, you can actually walk across the bridge for an up close and personal look at the most famous spot in the PNW.
Wahkeena Falls
This 240 foot beauty called Wahkeena Falls was one of the more magical waterfalls I visited in the Columbia River Gorge. With a constant gushing flow of water coming down from above, the shallow pool at the bottom causes more moisture in the air, creating a wetter atmosphere. That may have added to the extraordinary effects of the waterfall but I can see why the Yakama Tribe named it Wahkeena, meaning “most beautiful.”
Fairy Falls
Accessible via the Wahkeena Trail #420 is the 30 foot tall Fairy Falls. While the falls are about a mile in, it’s one of the most frequently photographed spots in Oregon. The Wahkeena Creek that feeds the waterfall cascades down a deep gorge of neon mosses and ferns, cutting through the flow of water.
Bridal Veil Falls
A more unique waterfall in this area is the Bridal Veil Falls, a tiered cascade that drops twice. Taking the shorter trail, you’re able to wind down to the lower tier of Bridal Veil Falls to see the 60 foot portion. Higher up the trail, you can see the top section of the waterfall with a taller drop of 100 feet.
Shepperd’s Dell Falls
Another tiered waterfall can be found here at Shepperd’s Dell. While you can see both tiers from the bridge in the State Park, take the short hike to the falls to really appreciate the beauty of it.
Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls was actually my personal favorite waterfall on the Columbia River Gorge because of it’s incredible height. The lower falls are easily accessible from the parking area and a short hike down to stand at the bottom of the shocking 250 foot plunge.
The hike to Upper Latourell Falls is totally worth the 0.8 mile uphill trek. With less foot traffic and and a quieter area, you’ll see more vibrant vegetation and receive a truer experience of being amongst nature.
Before heading out on trails or in protected areas, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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