10 Best Waterfalls Near Portland, OR

Put your hiking boots on and get that camera charged because Portland is calling!

Not just a city of coffee shops and craft beer, Portland is also a great entrance point to see some of Oregon's beautiful waterfalls. From the roar of Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge to the little hidden gems in mossy canyons, Portland and its surrounding areas have numerous breathtaking water spectacles.
So whether you're going after those beautiful cascading waters, planning a scenic waterfall hike, or just want some peaceful time in a lush forest, these ten waterfalls near Portland promise adventure, tranquility, and a little bit of magic.

Multnomah Falls falls for 620 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in Oregon all year long, and it is a crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge. The falls are fed from underground springs coming from Larch Mountain, and the tall part of the waterfall (the upper plunges into the lower part of the waterfall) drops 542 feet. From there, the water flows about 69 feet down into the lower plunge part; then the falls splash off the sides of the rocks. The trail is relatively easy to walk down to the base. There are also two steep trails leading to the angle, which is approximately 100 feet long from the starting point to the angle. The bridge trail is approximately 30 feet long. Multnomah Falls can easily be accessed off Interstate 84.

Tumalo Falls spills 97 feet over a basalt cliff on Tumalo Creek in the Deschutes National Forest near Bend. The Tumalo Falls are considered the centerpiece of the Tumalo Falls Scenic Area, as there is a short, well-maintained trail that takes you to a lower viewing point and an upper viewing point. The strongest flow occurs from late spring to early summer when meltwater creates a roaring creek. You can also hike upstairs along a longer loop trail, where you can see smaller cascades, including Double Falls and Upper Tumalo Falls. On the upper loop trail, you can also see quieter locations with forest views and creek-side overlooks. Additionally, the Tumalo Falls Scenic Area is transformed into a popular snowshoe and cross-country skiing route during the winter months.

Sahalie and Koosah Falls are two incredible waterfalls that plunge into the McKenzie River. Sahalie Falls (Chinook Jargon for “Heaven”) cascades down 100 feet over ancient lava rock. Just downstream, Koosah Falls (Chinook Jargon for “Sky”) falls about 70 feet into a quiet pool before rejoining the McKenzie River, which meanders through forests of Douglas Fir and Cedar. The Waterfalls Loop Trail connects the two waterfalls via a scenic 2.6-mile path along the shore of the McKenzie River.

Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Latourell Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Portland. It has a single plunge of 249 feet dropping down from columnar basalt cliffs adorned by the green of moss and lichen. Latourell Falls is located directly next to the Historic Columbia River Highway and is accessed via a short paved trail that leads right to the bottom of the falls. Visitors can experience Latourell Falls by hiking the Latourell Falls Loop Trail, which goes through a forest of Douglas fir and bigleaf maple, leading them to an upper viewpoint and to the smaller Upper Latourell Falls.

Toketee Falls in Umpqua National Forest is where dramatic geological formations meet tranquil woodlands. It has a very steep drop of approximately 120 feet into a deep pool of water that is brilliant blue in colour. The surrounding area features hexagonal basalt formations created by cooling lava, which resemble a natural amphitheater. To get to the viewpoint from which you can see Toketee Falls, you can take a short stair-stepped trail (approximately 0.25 miles). As you walk along this path, you will be walking through a forest of old-growth Douglas Fir and Cedar trees.

Wahkeena Falls, which is located in the Columbia River Gorge near the Historic Columbia River Highway, has an approximate height of 242 ft. Emerging from the basalt cliff, the multiple tiers of the waterfall create an amazing cascade. The name Wahkeena comes from Native American and translates to “the most beautiful.” The waterfall drops into a moss-covered, round basin that is surrounded by ferns and vine maples. From the road, it is easy to access the waterfall with a short paved path that leads to the base. The Wahkeena Loop Trail connects to the base of the falls by travelling up the mountain, providing hikers with access to Fairy Falls, Ecola Falls, and stunning views of the gorge. The flow of Wahkeena Falls is increased significantly after heavy rains, resulting in a series of white ribbons flowing down the falls.

In the Willamette National Forest along Highway 58 lies Salt Creek Falls, a stunning roadside waterfall with a 286-foot drop into a basalt gorge. The waterfall is at its most spectacular from late winter through spring due to the snowmelt swelling the creek to create a cascading white column of water. The falls can be viewed from multiple parking lot locations, with the upper viewpoint being only steps away and offering breathtaking views of the waterfall and the mist-filled canyon below. During cold months, the cascading water often freezes to create tremendous ice formations, resulting in the gorge becoming an outdoor gallery of natural sculptures.

Proxy Falls lies off the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway within the Willamette National Forest. The main drop of the Proxy Creek cascade is approximately 226 feet, falling over the edge of a vertical basalt cliff and splitting into multiple thin streams of water that disappear into an amphitheater full of moss and small stones. At the base of Proxy Falls is a 1.6-mile loop trail that takes visitors through ancient lava fields and old-growth forests. Spring and early summer months produce the highest flow of water, while late summer creates more of a lacy effect compared to the dark volcanic rock foundations.

Just 45 minutes east of Portland, Wahclella Falls sits hidden away in the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge and features an awe-inspiring pair of waterfalls that drop 350 feet into a moss-covered basalt amphitheater below. The hike to Wahclella Falls begins at the Wahclella Falls Loop Trail trailhead, which lies adjacent to Tanner Creek. At the end of the trail, at the viewpoint of Wahclella Falls, Wahclella Creek fans out on top of the dark volcanic rock below. Photographers will enjoy the waterfall's wide cascade and emerald pool below, while hikers will enjoy a family-friendly hiking experience.

Mount Hood’s Tamanawas Falls Trail is one of the best Portland waterfall hikes, approximately 3.4 miles in length. It starts at the Tamanawas Falls trailhead on Highway 35. The route follows Cold Spring Creek through a forest of Douglas Fir, western hemlock, and moss-covered boulders as the hikers gain elevation. The vegetation provides limited views of Mount Hood until the terrain becomes rocky and volcanic. You’ll see the 110-foot-high Tamanawas Falls cascading down the wall of a cliff of basalt into a misty amphitheater. The side trail allows hikers to scramble behind the falls.

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